§ 17. Mr. St. John-Stevasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the suicide rates in prisons.
§ Mr. Elysian MorganOver the past five years the annual number of suicides in prison service establishments in England and Wales has varied between 11 and 21. A careful examination is made of the circumstances behind each suicide or attempted suicide and additional precautions are taken wherever experience shows that they are necessary or likely to be effective.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasIs the Minister aware that the Annual Report of the Prisons Department expressed deep concern about the number of suicides and attempted suicides in prison, and what is his Department doing to provide psychiatric help to people who need it?
§ Mr. MorganI am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware that, first, the highest priority is given to identifying the potential suicide. If there is any risk he is removed to the prison hospital. Secondly regulations provide for the removal of any clothing which might be of use in a suicide attempt. Thirdly, careful study is given to each case with a view to reviewing the whole system in the light of the facts which emerge from such inquiry.
§ Mr. CrawshawDoes my hon. Friend agree that the incidence of suicide attempts is higher in remand homes where people are in a more disturbed state? I mention particularly the Risley remand home, near Warrington. Will my hon. Friend assure the House that every precaution is taken, particularly with people who have previously attempted to commit suicide?
MorganI accept what my hon. Friend says about the danger in remand homes, and I give him the assurance which he seeks. I understand that my right hon. Friend has already visited the remand home which he mentioned.