§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have embarked on a hunger strike in each year since 1987; and how many(a) died and (b) gave up but suffered permanent damage to their health. [64261]
§ Mr. George HowarthDefinitions and methods of recording this type of incidents have changed over time, and the Prison Service has employed the broader definition of "food refusal" since 1989. Information on incidence of food refusal prior to 1989 is not held centrally. The number of reported incidents of food refusal for each calendar year since 1989 is given in the 749W table. It should be noted that the figures may include a number of incidents concerning the same prisoner. Three prisoners have died as a result of food refusal during this period.
Information on prisoners who ceased refusing food, but then suffered permanent damage to their health could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Food refusals in prison custody: 1989–19981 Year Number of reported incidents 1989 60 1990 78 1991 90 1992 145 1993 220 1994 306 1995 225 1996 193 1997 222 1998 1981 1 Figures as at 14 December 1998 Note:
To be recorded as a food refusal the period of refusal must exceed one day.