§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the facilities which exist in Holloway Prison for the children who are there with their mothers who are serving prison sentences.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesExisting facilities are adequate, but better facilities will be available when the rebuilding of the prison has been completed.
§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the staff at Holloway Prison have received child welfare training to meet the needs of the children who are in the prison with their mothers who are serving prison sentences.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSince the babies at Holloway are all under 12 months old, it is mainly nursing care that is required. The mother and baby unit is staffed by both nursing and discipline staff. Twelve of the nursing staff are qualified midwives. There is also an assistant governor who is qualified in child care.
§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are made to enable the children who are in Holloway Prison with their mothers who are serving prison sentences to meet male adults other than the prison staff.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNone, other than normal visiting arrangements for fathers and other male relatives and friends of the mother.
§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many rooms are provided for sleeping accommodation in the mother and baby unit at Holloway Prison; and how many adults and children, respectively, occupy these rooms.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe mother and baby unit at Holloway provides seven rooms, each of which can accommodate one mother and child, and two dormitories, each accommodating up to four pregnant women. No mothers with children are accommodated in dormitories.