Immigration: Yarl's Wood

Lord Hylton
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What improvements in healthcare for detainees have been made at Yarl's Wood removal centre since the recent report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons and, in particular, for those with mental health issues. [HL981]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)
Work on the action plan that was produced following the inspection of healthcare at Yarl's Wood is progressing. Many of the recommendations raised have been dealt with in full; others are ongoing. With regard to the mental health issue, there are now two detainee counsellors and two more mental health nurses (RMNs) have been recruited, and will be taking up post shortly.

Lord Hylton
asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons who were raped or tortured abroad have been held at (a) Yarl's Wood removal centre, and (b) all other detention and removal centres since April 2005; and for what purpose. [HL982]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal
While there are allegations of torture abroad made in centres, these allegations are not centrally recorded, and could be collated only at a disproportionate cost. There is a system for reporting such allegations, and this system is laid down in the Detention Centre Rules 2001. An allegation of torture is reported to the case holder in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, and they investigate using the detainee's medical records. Where it is judged appropriate the detainee's case is referred to the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.