asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many foreign nationals currently serving prison sentences were (a) recommended for deportation by the courts for deportation; and (b) are now liable to deportation under the new policy announced by the Prime Minister on 3 May (Official Report, House of Commons, cols. 958-63).[HL5949]

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary and his predecessor have provided regular updates on all aspects of our policy onthe deportation of foreign national prisoners. In particular, I refer the noble Lord to the most recent Written Ministerial Statement, made on 23 May 2006 (col. WS 41), in which the Home Secretary sets out his analysis of the department and the eight priority areas set out for management action to rectify these, and required organisational improvements. We shall update the House with our progress on these points shortly.