HC Deb 20 January 1970 vol 794 cc103-4W
Mr. Brian Parkyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of prisoners at present in Her Majesty's Prison, Bedford; and how this figure compares with the average figures for 1966, 1967 and 1968.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

252 on 31st December, 1969; 248, 247, and 205. The average figure for 1969 was 237.

Mr. Brian Parkyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in Her Majesty's Prison, Bedford, have to share a cell on the basis of three to a cell; and how this figure compares with the situation in 1966, 1967 and 1968.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

On 31st December, 1969, 123 prisoners were accommodated three to a cell in Her Majesty's Prison, Bedford. This was the highest figure during 1969. The peak figure in 1966 was 162; in 1967, 144, and in 1968, 141.