Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL]

My Lords, there is confusion here. The three-hour limit is the power in Section 2 of the UK Borders Act 2007 for a designated immigration officer, but the six-hour limit comes in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, as I have stated. Clearly, there is confusion here which needs to be resolved and I shall ensure that that is done. Those involved have argued with me that they need six hours because in that time they could clear up a problem and send someone on their way without a problem. The shorter period of time would cause them problems as they might not be able to resolve the issues. The noble Lord, Lord Hylton, asked about the UK Border Agency office. It is modelled on an existing PACE provision: HMRC offices equipped and managed identically to police stations, including cells and so on, with an interview room and the ability for overnight accommodation for those arrested for customs offences.