To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what revised specification for provision of medical services has been prepared for immigration detainees in Campsfield house; and if he will make a statement. [12007]

Earlier this year, advice was sought from the director of public health in the Oxfordshire health authority in preparing a revised specification for the provision of medical services at Campsfield house. This included enhanced attendance by a doctor, additional nursing staff, including the appointment of a registered mental nurse, stress management clinics, and the availability of a female doctor for those detainees who specifically requested one. Effecting these enhancements commenced on 15 January and they were fully in place by 1 March 1997.I am assured that the health services at Campsfied house are comparable with those provided for Oxfordshire residents by a general practitioner. A detainee who wishes to see a specialist will, if the medical circumstances of his case warrant it, be referred to a specialist and any such decision will be taken by the doctor treating him.