§ Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides there have been in each year since 1960, in Wormwood Scrubs and in Brixton prisons; in how many of these cases the instrument of suicide was a belt or tie; and in how many the prisoner concerned was known to have a history of mental disturbance.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe figures are as follows:
444W
Year Wormwood Scrubs Brixton 1960 … — — 1961 … 2 3 1962 … — 2 1963 … 1 2 1964 … — 3 1965 … 1 4 1966 … 4 — 1967 … 1 2 1968 … 1 4 Twenty-two of these suicides were committed with a belt or tie; 19 of the prisoners concerned were known to have a history of mental disturbance.
§ Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides there have been in Wormwood Scrubs since the suicide of Richard Holmes; how many of these occurred in cells on the observation landing; in how many of these cases the instrument used was a belt or tie; and what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the coroner's jury at the inquest on Richard Holmes, and the assurances on security against suicide subsequently given to the hon. Members for Edmonton and Barking.
§ Mr. CallaghanOne young man hanged himself with his belt. He was not on the observation landing. The system of observation in the hospital at Wormwood Scrubs has been reviewed in accordance with the recommendation of the Coroner's jury, and patients are observed at regular intervals as directed by the medical officer. Details of the measures being taken to reduce the risk of suicides in prison service establishments generally were given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State in the Adjournment debate on 4th July last.