§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many women are now held in H wing in Durham prison;
(2) how many category A women are now, or have been, held in Durham prison.
§ Mr. HurdOn 21 March, 35 women were being held in H wing, two of whom were classified category A. Our records show that, since 1974, when H wing opened for women, nine category A prisoners have been held there with a maximum of seven at any one time.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities for education and recreation have been provided for women prisoners in Durham prison since they were first admitted there in 1974.
§ Mr. HurdWe have not kept a record of all the educational and recreational facilities which have been provided for women in Durham at varying times. Present educational facilities include day and evening classes, Open University courses and help with private study. Recreational activities include access to television and video equipment, a record player, daily newpapers, table games and sewing machines. Hobbies include knitting and artwork. There is also physical education activity on most days.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what alternative proposals he has for the women now held in Durham prison who are not classified as category A.
§ Mr. HurdNone at present. The use of H wing will, however, be kept under review as further development takes place at Holloway.