Commentary on Sections Temporary release Section 68: Bail
193.Section 68 provides a power for the Secretary of State, or an official acting on his behalf, to grant bail to a person detained under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act in the same circumstances as a chief immigration officer may currently. The power takes effect after the expiry of the eighth day after detention begins, prior to which the power to grant bail will continue to be exercised by an immigration officer not below the rank of chief immigration officer.
194.Section 68 also repeals Part III of the 1999 Act, with the exceptions of sections 53 (except subsection (5)) and 54. Part III of the 1999 Act contained provisions for a system of routine bail hearings for those in detention and has not been implemented. The rights to apply for bail under existing legislation will remain in place.