§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if there are any plans to review the use of strip searches on women prisoners in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorStrip searching is a routine security measure, of long standing, to which all prisoners—male and female (and including those on remand) — are subject. We have recently reviewed policy and practice in relation to prison department establishments in England and Wales and are satisfied that strip searching remains essential in the interests of security.