Written question asked by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Thursday, 8 July 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2010. It was answered by Damian Green (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum: Detainees

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what alternatives to the detention of families whose asylum applications have been rejected her Department is considering.

Answer: I recently announced a review into the detention of children for asylum purposes so it can be brought to an end. The terms of reference of the review included a requirement to consider how the detention of children for immigration purposes will be ended and how a new family removals model can be established which protects the welfare of children and ensures the return of those who have no right to be in the UK. This will involve options based on keeping families with children in the community and these are now being considered in draft form by the Departments concerned and by me.

Secondary information