HL Deb 07 December 1981 vol 425 c1253WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice they have received concerning the psychological effects of prolonged periods of isolation on human beings; whether they will cause psychiatric examinations to be conducted at regular intervals of all prisoners segregated under Rule 43 for more than three months, and whether they will publish any advice given to them in general terms on this matter.

Lord Belstead

Prisoners segregated under Prison Rule 43 are seen daily by a medical officer. Psychiatric examination and treatment is provided for prisoners by the medical officer whenever it is considered appropriate. No prisoner is totally isolated for prolonged periods; he is always in contact with members of the prison staff.