§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average length of time for which prisoners may be placed in stripped cells in Her Majesty's prisons; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when instructions were last issued by his Department to prison authorities regarding the usage of stripped cells in Her Majesty's prisons;
(3) if he will make a statement on the extent of usage of stripped cells in Her Majesty's prisons; and whether he is satisfied with present arrangements in this regard.
§ Mr. HurdI regret that information on the use of stripped cells is not available. We are reviewing the use of special accommodation, including stripped cells, for the temporary confinement of violent or disturbed prisoners. No comprehensive guidance has been issued to governors on the use of stripped cells but we are considering their role and the procedures for their use, as part of the review.