To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people held in immigration detention had been held for more than (a) 18 months, (b) 24 months and (c) 36 months on 1 September 2013.

holding answer 9 September 2013

The requested information is not available. Figures on people held in detention are collated as at the last day of each quarter, on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of each year and published in Immigration Statistics quarterly releases. The latest figures show that as at 30 June 2013, 27 people were detained for between 18 months and 24 months, 11 for between 24 months and 36 months and one for between 36 months and 48 months.

Data on the length of detention of people in detention are readily available in the latest release, Immigration Statistics: April-June 2013, table dt_09_q from the GOV.UK website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release

Figures as at the 30 September 2013 will be published in Immigration Statistics July-September 2013 on 28 November 2013.

Published figures on people held in immigration detention are those detained in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers at short term holding facilities, pre departure accommodation and immigration removal centres.

Figures exclude those held in police cells, Prison Service establishments, short term holding rooms at ports and airports (for less than 24 hours), and those recorded as detained under both criminal and immigration powers and their dependants.