§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the current average weekly cost of maintaining a person in prison; and how this compares with the cost five years ago.
§ Mr. HurdThe average weekly cost of maintaining a person in custody in the financial year 1981–82, the latest year for which information is available, was £195; in 1976–77 it was £85. Figures for 1982–83 are being collated. In response to a question by the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Kilroy-Silk) on 16 January — [Vol. 52, c. 66]—I undertook to provide information as soon as possible.