HC Deb 26 November 1982 vol 32 cc603-4W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was done to help in the rehabilitation of those imprisoned for default of payment of a fine for drunkenness in 1981.

Mr. Mayhew

The majority of those imprisoned for default of payment of a fine for drunkenness are sentenced to very short periods in custody, usually one week or less. This means that the opportunities for rehabilitation are limited. Prison medical officers supervise treatment for those suffering from alcoholism, and in many prisons psychiatrically qualified medical officers and visiting consultant psychiatrists are available and offer psychotherapy if this is indicated and the prisoner is willing to accept it. The probation service may also assist a prisoner after discharge to establish contact with Alcoholics Anonymous and other organisations able to help him during his early days of release.