§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the projected numbers of inmates for UK prisons are for 2005; and what the capacity of UK prisons will be by 2005.[100340]
§ Hilary BennThe projected annual average for the prison population in England and Wales in 2005 is 87,200. The projected useable operational capacity of the estate for 2005 is 77,000. These projected figures are used for the purposes of planning the Prison Service estate. As part of the Review of Correctional Services, the Government is looking to develop a long-term strategy to manage population pressures.
Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for Ministers in the Scottish Executive and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.