HC Deb 04 November 1980 vol 991 cc525-6W
Mrs Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners died in prison in each year since 1970; and what percentage of these deaths was from unnatural causes in each case.

Mr. Brittan

The information relating to deaths in prison department establishments since 1970 is given in the table below:

Year Number of deaths Percentage due to unnatural causes, including suicide
1970 42 26.2
1971 69 33.3
1972 53 32.1
1973 61 29.5
1974 48 29.2
1975 59 35.6
1976 67 41.8
1977 41 39.0
1978 60 43.3
1979 73 41.1

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deaths of prisoners since 1970 have (a) led to internal inquiries, (b) occurred while prisoners were being treated with drugs and (c) occurred while prisoners were in solitary confinement.

Mr. Whitelaw

I have been considering this matter as part of my general review of electoral law and procedures. 1 hope to make a statement about my conclusions before long.