HC Deb 07 December 1976 vol 922 cc108-9W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many black or coloured prisoners have been assaulted by other prisoners because of their colour, in the last year.

Mr. John

This information is not available. Our statistical information about those in custody does not distinguish between the colour of prisoners. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if prisoners are permitted to make complaints about prison doctors to the General Medical Council.

Mr. John

No, but perhaps my hon. Friend would write to us if he has an individual case which gives him cause for concern.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the average number of prisoners with dependants.

Mr. John

I regret that there is insufficient information available centrally on which to base such an estimate.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of adult prisoners in prison in England and Wales on 31st October 1976 and the number of persons in borstal on that date and the number of young persons in prison departments established on the same dates.

Mr. John

On 31st October 1976 prison department establishments were holding 29,475 adults and 12,363 young persons under 21 years of age, of whom 5,980 were in borstal. In addition, there were 576 non-criminal prisoners.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the most recent figures for reconviction rates of adult male prisoners and adult female prisoners within (a) a one-year period and (b) a five-year period of discharge.

Mr. John

35 per cent. of the adult male and 23 per cent. of the adult female prisoners discharged in 1972 were convicted of standard list offences within one year of discharge. I regret that an estimation of reconviction rates within a five-year period of discharge is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.