HC Deb 07 July 1976 vol 914 cc553-4W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mothers of children under five years are at present in prison; how many children are involved; and how many of these children are with the mother.

Mr. John

I regret that the information requested in the first two parts of the Question is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. On 2nd July 1976 there were 25 children under the age of five with their mothers in mother and baby units at these prisons.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mothers of children under five years are at present remanded in custody.

Mr. John

On 2nd July 1976 there were 48, of whom 26 were unconvicted and 22 were convicted but unsentenced.