HC Deb 31 October 1983 vol 47 c268W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will review his policy on the treatment of women and babies in prison;

(2) if he is satisfied that there are sufficient places available in mother and baby units in prison for those who need them;

(3) how many places are available in mother and baby units in each women's prison.

Mr. Hurd

Guidance on mothers and babies in prison was issued in July, and we are monitoring its operation. The three mother and baby units, which are in Askham Grange, Holloway and Sty al prisons, provide a total of 34 places. Since July there have normally been between 7 and 12 vacancies at any one time. Our monitoring arrangements cover the demand for places.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration was given to the benefits of breast-feeding in drawing up policy on separating mothers and babies in prison.

Mr. Hurd

The benefits of breast feeding were taken into account but had to be balanced against other considerations. In particular, the development of a child who is held too long in a prison environment is likely to suffer, and if separation has to take place it should not be long delayed.