asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice is given regarding breastfeeding to mothers with small infants who are held in immigration detention centres with a view to removal; and what is the practice of the Border and Immigration Agency on the removal of mothers with small infants to countries where malaria is prevalent. [HL4078]

Healthcare provision within removal centres ensures that all detainees, including nursing mothers, are provided with access to the same quality of service and advice as they would receive from the NHS.

Malaria prophylaxis is available upon recommendation of healthcare staff to mothers with small infants being removed to countries where malaria is prevalent and the UK Border Agency will allow sufficient time for the treatment to take effect before they travel.

A copy of the instructions for operational officers on the provision of malaria prophylaxis is available on the UK Border Agency's website.