Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Colwyn (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 13 December 2007.

Immigration: X-rays

Question: My Lords, I have been trying to read dental X-rays for about 40 years. Once the wisdom teeth have been removed it would be impossible to tell how old a patient is from looking at dental X-rays.

Answer: My Lords, I admit I am not an expert in reading dental plates but I am assured it is plus or minus two years. As I say, in conjunction with the other methods we use, it is a useful tool. This is why we are continuing the consultation. It would be wonderful if there was a magic bullet which allowed us to identify age exactly. The cost of dealing with these people who are not children is about £140 million a year—which is quite a lot of money—and there are also these risks to youngsters. We must push on to try to do the best we can on this.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 697 c321
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Children Asylum Age Immigration controls Medical examinations X-rays
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk