§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women gave birth in 1984 and so far in 1985 while on remand in custody awaiting trial or sentence; what was the offence with which each one was charged; what was the sentence; and what happened to the children.
§ Mr. MellorTwenty-two unsentenced women have given birth in custody since 1 January 1984.
Four were charged with illegal importation of drugs, four with theft, two each with murder, burglary, handling stolen goods and deception and one each with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, robbery with violence, customs evasion, threatening words and behaviour, fraud, and arson.
Thirteen received custodial sentences—one of 126 days' youth custody, one of 15 months' youth custody, one of 12 months' imprisonment (of which eight were suspended) one of nine months, three of 12 months, three of 18 months, one of 21 months, one of two and one of three years. Four received non-custodial sentences, two were made subject to extradition orders, and three are at present on trial.
Of their children, 13 remained with their mothers in mother and baby units, three went to relations, three were placed in local authority care, one was fostered and two were extradited with their mothers.