§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will require all prisoners to undergo a blood test at the time of admission to any prison establishment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThere is no statutory power to take blood in the absence of consent. A blood test for medical reasons is considered only if an inmate requests one or if the medical officer judges a test to be clinically appropriate in a particular case and the inmate concerned gives informed consent. One purpose of the medical examination and inquiry to which all inmates are subject on first reception is to establish whether there is a history or risk of infectious disease calling for further medical investigation.