HC Deb 24 May 1973 vol 857 cc118-9W
Mr. Dell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the reasons for the poor use of the out-patient facilities at Brixton and Holloway prisons; and with what results.

Mr. Carlisle

Examination is being made of the operation of the out-patient facilities at these prisons and I shall write to the right hon. Member when the results are available.

Mr. Dell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many opportunities have been taken by the Home Office in the last six months to remind magistrates' courts of the outpatient facilities available at Brixton and Holloway prisons; and what form these reminders have taken.

Mr. Carlisle

A circular sent to chief clerks of magistrates' courts in Inner London on 30th November last drew attention to the limited use which had been made of the out-patient clinic at Brixton prison. Information about the number of persons sent to these clinics has been provided for use in articles which appeared in the February edition of The Magistrate and in The Guardian on 5th March. Informal opportunities to mention the schemes to magistrates are also taken.