§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in each year for the past five years the number of suicides in each establishment for which he is responsible; how many of those concerned were known to have had a history of mental disturbance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information is given in the table below.
Penal establishment: Number of suicides 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 Barlinnie Prison 2 3 3 3 5 Cornton Vale Institution — — 1 — — Dumfries Young Offenders Institution — — — 1 — Edinburgh Prison 1 — 1 1 1 Glenochil Institution 1 2 — 1 1 Perth Prison — 1 2 — — State Hospital State Hospital, Carstairs — 2 2 — — Of the 34 cases of suicide, 14 of the inmates were known to have had a history of mental disorder.
Wherever inmates are considered to be at risk preventive measures are taken in relation to their accommodation and observation. In the event of a suicide, careful consideration is given to the subsequent findings of the fatal accident inquiry or internal investigation and procedures reviewed. Although the greatest care is taken by staff to identify, protect and treat those who are thought to be at risk, deaths from unpredictable and determined acts of self-destruction do occur.