HC Deb 28 October 1992 vol 212 cc692-3W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why no crèche facilities are provided for vistors to the women's section of Maghaberry prison; and why the visiting room is smaller than the men's section.

Mr. Mates

The provision of a crèche facility in the female visits area is presently under consideration. The decision will await the result of an efficiency scrutiny into childcare services in Maghaberry prison.

The size of the visits room reflects the overall requirements of Maghaberry prison—317 male prisoners and 42 females at 26 October 1992. Major improvements are, however, under way to construct a second visits room on the female side.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the men's section of Maghaberry prison is subject to different evening exercise arrangements from the women's section.

Mr. Mates

Unlike the male section of Maghaberry prison, where the exercise yards are immediately adjacent to the living accommodation, allowing easy access and supervision, the exercise yards in the female section are slightly apart. For security reasons, the yards on the female side are not available for evening association periods during the winter months.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why there are fewer recreational facilities available for women in Maghaberry prison than there are for men.

Mr. Mates

Both male and female prisoners have access to the gym on a regular basis and participate in a wide range of recreational pursuits. An exercise bike and pool table for each association room in the female section of Maghaberry prison is under consideration.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why evening classes have been withdrawn from the women's section of Maghaberry prison, while remaining available to prisoners in the men's section.

Mr. Mates

Reassessment of evening classes showed that the classes were too small to be viable. However, the day programme for female prisoners has been enhanced to take account of the non-provision of evening classes.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why no inter-wing association beween women prisoners in Maghaberry prison is permitted, as compared with men.

Mr. Mates

The privilege of inter-wing association was withdrawn from female prisoners in July 1991 for operational reasons. However, it has now been reintroduced for some prisoners and will be kept under review.