§ 22. Mr. McLoughlinasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will state the cost of keeping a prisoner in jail in Northern Ireland as compared with keeping such a prisoner in a special compound.
§ Mr. ScottThe average cost of keeping a prisoner in Northern Ireland was £727 per week during 1985–86 or £838 per week when Prison Department headquarters and other central costs are included.
The average cost of keeping a prisoner in the compound accommodation at HM prison, Maze, was £1,325 per week during 1985–86.
With the reduction in special category prisoners, now 118, the compound and cellular accommodation at HM prison Maze is now being managed as one unit under the control of one governor. The use of central administrative and other facilities for prisoners housed in both types of accommodation should reduce the future cost of keeping prisoners in compound accommodation.