The centre, near Bedford, was damaged by fire during a riot in February which caused damage estimated at £38m.

The £80m flagship site centre opened late last year and was designed to hold 900 asylum seekers.

The complex, which was not fitted with water sprinklers, was badly damaged in the blaze.

Necessary facilities

Immigration minister Beverley Hughes said the intention was for Yarl's Wood to reopen in April 2003 with a population of single females.

It would later take families involved in asylum and non-asylum cases.

"In advance of this, work has already commenced to install sprinklers and the necessary facilities so that this population can be accommodated," she said.

"As with all other removal centres, Yarl's Wood will be used to ensure we deliver our commitment to remove those without lawful right to be here."

Ms Hughes was replying to a Commons written question from Conservative Bedfordshire North East MP Alastair Burt.