HC Deb 03 May 1994 vol 242 cc489-90W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children had to be cared for other than in their own home following their mother's imprisonment, in the latest year for which information is available.

Mr. Stewart

The information in respect of children whose mothers were imprisoned is not available centrally. During 1991, the latest full year for which information is available, 39 children were taken into the care of local authorities following the imprisonment of one or both of their parents.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what percentage of prisoners had dependent children living with them just before imprisonment; and of these what number and percentage are mothers.

Mr. Stewart

The information requested is not collected centrally.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number and percentage of prisoners and 17 to 20-year-old offenders who had been in care before they were 16 years.

Mr. Stewart

Information is not available centrally on which a reliable estimate of the number and percentage requested could be based.