§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is made for the educational needs of children who are in Her Majesty's prisons with their mothers who are serving prison sentences.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNone at Holloway or Styal prisons, where facilities are not available for children over the age of 12 months. At Askham Grange prison, where at present the oldest child is under 2 years of age, play school facilities can be provided if and when necessary.
§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for a children's officer of the respective local authority to make periodic visits to Her Majesty's prisons in which there are children who are there with their mothers who are serving prison sentences, in order to inspect the facilities which are provided for the children and to issue reports on their findings.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo. These children are in the care of their mothers, adequate facilities are provided, and medical and nursing staff are available at all times. If, however a director of social services wishes to visit a prison mother and baby unit in his area, it is open to him to contact the Governor.
§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what place of birth is recorded on birth certificates issued to mothers who have their babies while serving a prison sentence in one of Her Majesty's prisons.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe address of the National Health Service hospital where the baby is born.