HC Deb 18 January 1988 vol 145 cc200-1W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the ruling that allows those sent to prison for child abuse immediately to seek to go on rule 43 when in prison.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Any prisoner may ask to be removed from association with other prisoners under rule 43. It is for the prison governor to decide, in the light of any evidence of danger to the prisoner, whether to grant such a request. We have no plans to change this procedure.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report on rule 43 prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We expect the report to be available for wider consideration within the Department during February and March and to receive proposals by April 1989.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce the number of prison inmates at present in prisons in England and Wales who are on rule 43 at their own request.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

This question is among matters being considered by the prison department working group on the management of vulnerable prisoners which is expected to report shortly.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the longest period of time that a prison inmate has been on rule 43 at his or her own request.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

As far as we can ascertain without disproportionate cost, the longest current period is 21 months.