HL Deb 11 July 2000 vol 615 cc13-4WA
The Earl of Listowel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many inmates of young offender institutions committed or attempted suicide in each year since 1997; and [HL3136]

How many cases of self-harm by inmates of young offender institutions took place in each year since 1997. [HL3137]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The information is given in the tables. Information about attempted suicides is not recorded separately but is incorporated into figures on self-harm.

Self-inflicted Deaths at HMP Young Offenders Institutions 1997–2000
Calendar Year No. of Deaths
1997 5
1998 5
1999 8
2000* 1
*As at 5th July 2000

Incidents of Self-harm at IIMP Young Offenders Institutions 1997–2000
Financial Year Incidents of Self-harm
1996–1997 793
1997–1998 879
1998–1999 944
1999–2000* N/A
*Not yet available

  1. (i) Establishments have been categorised according to their primary role. However, it should be noted that there are a number of other prisons that hold young offenders (eg male remand centres) which are not included.
  2. (ii) Not all self-inflicted deaths conclude with a verdict of suicide.
  3. (iii) Incidents of self-harm do not equate to numbers of prisoners, as an individual prisoner may self-harm more than once.
  4. (iv) Self-harm data are derived from information provided by establishments to the Prison Health Policy Unit. These data include information on all attempted suicides.