HC Deb 21 July 1988 vol 137 cc752-3W
38. Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on conditions in Her Majesty's prisons.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Government's reply to the Third Report from the Home Affairs Committee (Cm. 263), published in December 1987, described the conditions of the prison system in England and Wales. Since then the prison population has fluctuated, but now stands at 49,963 of which 690 are in police cells. Work continues on the implementation of the package of place-producing measures which my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 30 March at columns 1083–85. In addition, the major changes in staff working practices known as fresh start are in place, or a date has been set for implementation, in all prison service establishments.

55. Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons to investigate the desirability of removing Crown immunity from prisons.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We are satisfied that the present arrangements are effective in setting and monitoring the standards required by legislation.