HC Deb 01 March 1951 vol 484 c2279
29. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children were born in His Majesty's prisons since the order relating to such cases came into force on 27th December, 1948; how many women prisoners have asked that confinement should take place outside the prison; and if he can give an assurance that suitable arrangements were made in all cases.

Mr. Ede

Since the date in question, 15 children have been born in His Majesty's prisons and Borstals in England and Wales and 92 women have been confined in outside hospitals. It is the practice for every woman to be asked, well before her confinement, whether she prefers to be removed to an outside hospital for the confinement, and, if she does, suitable arrangements are made. In a few cases, for instance, where labour was precipitate, it has not been possible to effect the removal in time.