To ask the Scottish Executive further to the answer to question S1W-32773 by Ms Margaret Curran on 7 January 2003, whether it would expect to be consulted by the Home Office regarding the siting of accommodation centres in Scotland under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 before or after the decision on such siting has been taken.

Section 40 (1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 provides that the Home Secretary may not make arrangements for the provision of premises in Scotland for use as an accommodation centre unless he has consulted Scottish ministers.