HC Deb 05 December 1991 vol 200 c214W
14. Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he proposes to take to combat the spread of HIV infection in prisons; and if he will make a statement.

25. Mr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has issued to prison governors with respect to the spread of HIV in Her Majesty's prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

Prevention is one of the main aims of prisons HIV/AIDS policy. This was reaffirmed in fresh guidelines recently issued to prison governors. Among the preventive measures advocated are careful screening of prisoners on first reception, clinical investigation including the offer of a blood test in appropriate circumstances, and education and counselling, including preventive counselling for prisoners who are known to be infected or have been at risk. A valuable recent addition to our education programme is a booklet for prisoners produced by ale Terrence Higgins Trust. This is being issued to all prisoners currently in custody and to new prisoners.