§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many female prisoners were mentally ill during the latest year for which figures are available.
§ Mrs. RumboldStatistical records available for the six months 1 April 1990 to 30 September 1990 show that over that period 85 female prisoners were diagnosed as being mentally disordered and removed from prison; 43 of these were reported to be mentally ill.
On 30 September 1990, the latest date for which figures are available, 23 female prisoners were reported by prison medical officers to be mentally disordered as defined by the Mental Health Act 1983. Of these, 10 were reported to be mentally ill.
The Government encourage the diversion of mentally disordered offenders from the prison system whenever custody is not necessary in the public interest.