HC Deb 04 April 1979 vol 965 cc753-4W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men and women are currently held in prisons m the United Kingdom; and how this compares with the situation in February 1974.

Dr. Summerskill

On 28 February 1979 the total population in prison department establishments in England and Wales was 42,311, of whom 40,859 were males and 1,452 were females. The corresponding figures on 28 February 1974 were 36,705, 35,702 and 1,003 respectively.