HC Deb 21 June 1976 vol 913 c312W
Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many prisoners held in either voluntary or involuntary solitary confinement drugs have been used in the last two years to modify behaviour; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John

Drugs are prescribed and offered to prisoners on the authority of the responsible medical officer in the same way as in ordinary National Health Service medical practice. They are neither prescribed nor given to prisoners for the express purpose of modifying behaviour, but for the restoration of health or the relief of symptoms.