HC Deb 23 October 1986 vol 102 c964W
Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many doctors specialising in mental illness were employed by the prison service in 1980. 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and at the latest date.

Mr. Mellor

About 40 per cent. of currently serving full-time medical officers have a psychiatric qualification. Corresponding information about part-time medical officers and about full-time medical officers employed in the past is not readily accessible and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many doctors from the ethnic minorities were employed by the prison service in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and at latest date.

Mr. Mellor

Of 91 doctors currently employed as prison medical officers on a full-time basis, 31 are from ethnic minorities. Corresponding information about part-time medical officers and about full-time medical officers employed in the past is not readily accessible and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.