HC Deb 15 January 1976 vol 903 c195W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will allow women imprisoned with their babies to have access to tinned baby food.

Dr. Summerskill

The diet of infants in prison is a matter for the medical officer in consultation where necessary with the local National Health Service consultant paediatrician. Proprietary brands of specially prepared baby foods are available and mothers may use them unless there is any medical objection.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will allow children imprisoned with their mother to be allowed out to visit their families.

Dr. Summerskill

Most of the children who are accommodated in prison with their mothers are very young. Separation from their mother for the purpose of a visit to another relative would very rarely arise, but any such request would be discussed with the mother and considered. The children are not, or course, prisoners.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the facilities for children to play in the mother and baby wing of Holloway Prison; and what plans he has to increase them.

Dr. Summerskill

The existing facilities for play in the mother and baby unit at Holloway are only adequate for young babies. The new Holloway which is being built on the present site will have much better facilities in this respect.

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