To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Eritrean nationals have been forcibly returned from the UK to Eritrea since September 2008; what reports he has received of their treatment by the Eritrean authorities upon their return; and if he will make a statement. (291138)

[holding answer 14 September 2009]: UK Border Agency figures show there were three departures, all voluntary, from the UK to Eritrea between September 2008 and June 2009. Published figures on returns can be found at:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html

Information about the treatment of failed asylum seekers returned to Eritrea is contained in the Country of Origin Information Service Report for Eritrea, the latest version of which can be found at:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/country_reports.html