§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action has been taken by his Department with regard to the incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome in prisons;
(2) what medical advice has been given to prison staff about acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
§ Mr. MellorThe Director of Prison Medical Services has been keeping in close touch with the Department of Health and Social Security on the question of AIDS and there have been regular and frequent exchanges of information and advice. Advice was issued by the director of prison medical officers in March 1984 and again earlier this month. Information about AIDS has also been made available to staff, and further guidance for staff and inmates has now been issued. Copies of this advice have been placed in the Library of the House.
Representatives of the Directorate of Prison Medical Services are visiting establishments where there is particular concern about AIDS. Every effort is being made to allay the anxieties of staff, their trade union representatives, and inmates about the disease.