HC Deb 02 December 1985 vol 88 cc27-8W
Dr. McDonald

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for a report from the chief constable as to the number of new investigations started by the City of London police company fraud squad for each year since 1979; how many of those confinement in each year since 1979, indicating those who have been convicted of offences connected with the present troubles in Northern Ireland;

(2) what has been the average time spent by category A prisoners in single cellular confinement for each year since 1979; and what is the longest time and what is the shortest time so spent;

(3) what is the average time spent by category A prisoners convicted of offences associated with the present troubles in Northern Ireland in single cellular confinement; how many such prisoners have been so confined; and what has been the shortest and longest time of such detention.

Mr. Mellor

This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what offences category A prisoners are placed in single cellular confinement.

Mr. Mellor

The prison rules provide that an award of cellular confinement may be made if a prisoner is found guilty of an offence against discipline. No distinctions are made on the grounds of a prisoner's security category.