asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of reports that 100 women at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre are refusing food, 70 per cent of women had reported previous rape, 57 per cent had no legal representation and nearly half had been detained for more than three months; and what action they are taking to improve conditions and procedures and to minimise the use of detention. [HL4568]

A number of women (92) refused their evening meal on 8 May as a result of unfounded rumours regarding the new contractor, Serco Ltd, which was awarded the contract to operate Yarl's Wood on behalf of BIA. The contract director communicated widely with detainees and the majority resumed eating the following day. There have been no large-scale refusals to take meals at Yarl's Wood since 8 May.

Procedures are in place at all removal centres for case holders to be informed of any allegations of rape and/or torture that are made by detainees. We would not be able to confirm the percentage figure of those women who had reported previous rape as this would involve checking each individual case at disproportionate cost.

Both the Legal Services Commission and Bail for Immigration Detainees hold regular workshops for detainees at Yarl's Wood and the centre library has information on legal representation which can be accessed by detainees.

The contract that exists between the Home Office and Serco outlines the Border and Immigration Agency's requirements in regard to the services provided to detainees. The contract is underpinned by an ethos of improving services to the detainees both in terms of care and safety. A bi-weekly meeting is in place to support direct communication between detainees and the managers of the centre.

Of those leaving detention in May, the average length of stay was between seven and 10 days. People are detained only for as long as is necessary and for the shortest period possible. Those detained immediately prior to removal would usually be held for no more than a few days. However, on occasions people are detained for longer periods, usually while awaiting travel documentation from their respective embassies or where a removal has failed and a subsequent removal is being organised.