asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to provide an affordable telephone system for detainees held at Oakington immigration removal centre which will enable them to call their families abroad. [HL3184]

The existing telephone system at Oakington immigration removal centre is self-funding. International phone calls will naturally be more expensive than domestic calls, but we believe that the charges offer value for money.

Detainees are additionally allowed to retain their own mobile telephones while in the centre, and this proves a popular method of maintaining a comparable level of contact with families abroad as those still living in the community.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of any instances of improper use of the tannoy system at Oakington immigration removal centre. [HL3186]

We are aware that there have been isolated instances of misuse of the tannoy system at Oakington immigration removal centre in the past. There are clear instructions on its use and we would expect the contractor to take disciplinary action against any member of staff who fails to comply with these instructions.