To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration was given to arranging for independent interpreters to be present during all interviews that took place in March and April 2007 between Sudanese officials and Sudanese asylum seekers at her Department’s facilities. (228391)

Since 22 March 2007 independent interpreters have been used at interviews between Sudanese officials and Sudanese asylum seekers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sudanese asylum seekers were deported following re-documentation interviews in March and April 2007 were from Darfur. (229279)

Of the Sudanese nationals interviewed in March and April 2007, there have been two enforced returns of Darfuri asylum seekers and a further departure which was made voluntarily.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken in response to the complaint made by a Darfuri asylum seeker against a Sudanese official as part of the re-documentation interviews of March and April 2007. (229296)

Following receipt of a complaint made by an individual regarding the interview conducted by a Sudanese official, the UK Border Agency amended the interview process. Since 22 March 2007 independent interpreters have been present at each interview; the interpreters are required to sign a disclaimer to confirm that discussions at the interview are professional and relevant to the documentation process only.