To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her Department’s policy is on the detention of children subject to immigration control. (276127)

The UK Border Agency would always prefer that those whose applications to stay in the United Kingdom have failed, leave the country voluntarily. This is particularly so of families with children. However, detention is regrettable where individuals fail to leave and where removal therefore has to be enforced.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her Department’s response is to the findings of the Children’s Commissioner’s report The Arrest and Detention of Children Subject to Immigration Control. (276128)

The Children’s Commissioner for England published his report on 27 April. The United Kingdom Border Agency is now considering his recommendations carefully and will respond to the commissioner within two months of publication.