Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 March 2009.

Immigration: France

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for an Anglo-French detention camp in the Calais area; what is the purpose of any such facility; whether they intend to imprison potential illegal immigrants there; what discussions they have had with French ministers about it; and what is the response of the Government of France to the proposal.

Answer: Phil Woolas met Eric Besson, the French Minister for Immigration Integration, Nationality Identity and Solidarity-based Development, on 11 February 2009. Both Ministers reiterated their opposition to any sort of new Sangatte reception centre which might act as a magnet for illegal immigrants, traffickers and smugglers. At the same time, both Ministers are concerned for the humanitarian situation faced by individuals in the Calais region and will provide support to those in genuine need. Alongside this we are discussing a secure replacement facility in the UK control zone to hold illegal immigrants until they can be handed over to the French border police and processed under French law. The details, including financing, are still under discussion between officials.

Secondary information