HL Deb 18 December 1986 vol 483 cc347-8WA
Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) What was the certified normal accommodation of the prison system on 30th June 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985 respectively;
  2. (b) What was the prison population of England and Wales on 30th June 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985 respectively; and
  3. (c) What was the highest number of prisoners sharing a cell in 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985 respectively.

The Earl of Caithness

The information requested is as follows:

Certified Normal Accommodation at 30th June Prison Population at 30th June Highest Number sharing cells(1)
1965 30,775(2) 30,745(3) 5,485(4)
1970 32,001 39,887 14,174
1975 35,741 40,576 15,640
1980 38,472 43,936 17,787
1985 39,804 47,503 18.554
(1) Figures are collected once a month and refer to cells certified for one prisoner.
(2) At 31st December.
(3) At 29th June.
(4) In January; records for this year are incomplete.

Note: All figures relate to England and Wales.