HC Deb 29 March 1971 vol 814 cc292-3W
Mr. William Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the estimated prison population, including borstal institutions and detention centres, for the years 1972 to 1978;

(2) what is the estimated number of licences for after-care which will be issued for the years 1972 to 1978;

(3) what is the estimated population of borstal institutions for the years 1972 to 1978.

Mr. Maudling

It is difficult to make accurate predictions in view of the number of uncertainties involved. But taking account of recent trends, and in particular of the rate of increase in the number of persons convicted of indictable offences, it is estimated that the total population of all prison service establishments in England and Wales in the years 1972–1975 might be as follows:

1972 44,500 (7,000)
1973 46,500 (7,500)
1974 49,000 (8,000)
1975 52,000 (8,500)

The figures in brackets relate to the approximate number of borstal trainees.

It is similarly estimated that the number of persons subject to compulsory after-care following release from prison service establishments in England and Wales might be:

1972 22,000
1973 23,500
1974 25,000
1975 27,000

Estimates for the years beyond 1975 would be even more speculative. The Home Office is planning on the assumption that the prison population will continue to increase.