Clause 25
Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [Lords]
5:15 pm
Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat)
I rise to confirm whether several issues to do with the clause on short-term facilities have been addressed. When the matter was discussed in the other place, there were concerns that the facilities could be used to hold people for in excess of seven days. I believe that the flow chart provided by Lord West of Spithead confirms that holding people in one of the short-term holding facilities for more than seven days is not possible. I hope that the Minister will confirm that to be the case.
Another concern was that the facilities were not designed to hold a mix of people—various people, and under varying powers. How will the Minister respond to that concern? Has it been addressed? There was also concern that it was not clear what rules or guidance would apply in respect of the treatment and welfare of people held in such places, particularly if they were being held for differing reasons. I hope that the Minister can give some clarification on those concerns, which spilled over from the debate in the House of Lords.