Written question asked by Norman A Godman (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 November 1996 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office;Scottish Prison Service

Question: How many persons awaiting deportation are presently detained in (a) HM Prison, Greenock and (b) other prisons; what is the average length of detention served by such a person. - Text of letter from Mr EW Frizzell of Scottish Prison Service. Inc figs. (Holding answer 18 November 1996).

Answer: Dr. Godman: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons awaiting deportation are currently detained in (a) HM prison Greenock and (b) other prisons; what is the average length of detention served by such a person; and if he will make a statement. [3717] Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: [holding answer 18 November 1996]: The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service. I have asked its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell, to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from E. W. Frizzell, to Dr. Norman A. Godman, dated 19 November 1996: Lord James Douglas-Hamilton has asked me to reply to your question relating to the number of persons awaiting deportation who are currently held at HM Prison, Greenock and at other prisons and the average length of detention served by such persons. Persons detained in Scotland under the Immigration Act are normally held at Greenock, Edinburgh and Aberdeen prisons until their deportation order is served or their case is otherwise disposed of by the immigration authorities. There are currently six such people held at Greenock and one at Aberdeen. In the past twelve months the average length of detention has been 10 weeks.

Secondary information