§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his Department's policy towards dealing with pregnant women in Her Majesty's prisons with particular reference to the birth of their children; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the facilities for pregnant women at Risley remand centre and Askham Grange open prison.
§ Mr. John PattenPrison standing orders require a pregnant woman to be accorded a regime which allows her to associate with other prisoners by night and day; to work normally as long as she is fit to do so; to be accommodated in a prison hospital ward or in a room with at least two other prisoners; and to be provided with special means of calling staff in case of need. Medical and other pre-natal care is provided by or under the supervision of the medical officer and the local consultant obstetrician. The medical officer is also responsible for arranging for the 59W confinement to take place in a suitable National Health Service hospital where the period of confinement begins during sentence. These arrangements operate at all establishments in which women are held including Her Majesty's remand centre Risley and Her Majesty's prison Askham Grange.