HC Deb 30 October 1979 vol 972 cc460-1W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total capacity of the existing maximum security prisons; and how many of the prisoners at present in these prisons are in the maximum security category A.

Mr. Brittan

The total normal capacity of the seven dispersal prisons in England and Wales on 30 September 1979 was 2,692. On 24 October 1979 they held 227 category A prisoners. In addition, 31 category A prisoners were located in certain local prisons and six female category A prisoners were held in the women's wing at Durham prison.