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Immigration: Detention Centres

Volume 461: debated on Monday 11 June 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department has issued to (a) HM Prison Service and (b) private sector contractors on recommended staff/detainee ratios in immigration removal centres. (136974)

The Border and Immigration Agency does not provide guidance on staff detainee ratios to HM Prison Service as they have vast experience in operating custodial environments.

The Border and Immigration Agency does not provide guidance on staff/detainee ratios to private sector organisations. Staffing levels are none the less a key area of evaluation during the competitive tender process for the operation of removal centres. All contractors are required to provide a safe environment at all times for detainees, staff and visitors.