§ 3. Dr. Ian Gibson (Norwich, North)If he will make a statement on the prevalence of AIDS among prisoners. [89212]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. George Howarth)In 1997–98, a voluntary, anonymous survey of HIV, hepatitis and risk behaviour was conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Service Board at eight prisons. The survey found the prevalence of HIV to be 0.34 per cent. of the prison population overall.
§ Dr. GibsonMy hon. Friend will be aware that it is estimated that 7 per cent. of prisoners inject drugs and that 4 per cent. Have anal sex. Does that not necessitate some robust scientific study to get the true prevalence of HIV in prisons? Furthermore, given last week's High Court ruling, which confirmed the right of homosexuals to have condoms, should he not review that procedure and ensure that it does not necessitate a prisoner saying that he or she is a confirmed homosexual?
§ Mr. HowarthMy hon. Friend should be aware that the High Court found, not as he described, but in favour of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. Prison doctors already have authority to prescribe condoms to prisoners if, in their clinical judgment, there is a known risk of HIV infection. Doctors view the issuing of condoms in prison from the perspective of protecting public health by preventing the spread of HIV and other infections among prisoners—to whom the Prison Service, of course, has a legal duty of care—and to the wider community when prisoners are released.