asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will reply to the concerns raised by the Heathrow Airport Independent Monitoring Board's report into short-term holding facilities. [HL3115]

A letter from the UK Border Agency's chief executive acknowledging the board's 2007 annual report was sent to the chair on 14 April 2008, and was followed by a further letter from the Minister for Borders and Immigration on 23 April 2008.

The board was thanked for its hard work and dedication, and a commitment was made to respond in detail to its concerns within four weeks.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What their plans are to decrease the waiting time for access to social services by unaccompanied children in short-term holding facilities at Heathrow Airport. [HL3116]

The UK Border Agency deals with unaccompanied children seeking admission to the UK as a priority to ensure their safety and welfare. This includes early referral to other agencies where required.

At Heathrow, unaccompanied children are not held in any of the short-term holding facilities as stated. It is UK Border Agency policy only to detain unaccompanied children in the most exceptional circumstances and with appropriate care while alternative arrangements for their safety and welfare are made.

At Terminals 1, 2 and 3, there are child-friendly facilities in place and proposed plans to implement such facilities at other Heathrow locations. These provide a safe and comfortable environment in which children are supervised by a responsible adult until they are transferred into the custody of a suitable sponsor or local authority.