§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether women prisoners who are (a) up to six months pregnant and (b) six to nine months pregnant are required to undergo strip searches; and what facilities are available to monitor the emotional effects of a strip search on the prisoner.
§ Mr. HurdNo prisoner is exempt from being searched when that is necessary. We do not have any arrangements for specific monitoring of the matters referred to, but under standing orders governors ensure that pregnant women are treated in all respects as the medical officer requires.