HC Deb 13 June 1986 vol 99 c324W
Mrs. Renee Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) psychologists and (b) clinical psychologists are employed by the prison department; which prisons they work in; what are their main functions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

Eighty five psychologists are employed by the prison department; eight of these have clinical qualifications. The psychologists' main functions include assessment and counselling work with prisoners, training and advisory work with staff. consultancy services to management, and research.

A majority of prison psychologists have post-graduate qualifications relevant to the wide variety of tasks undertaken. Apart from those who work in headquarters, regional offices and the Prison Service College, psychologists are located in the following 25 establishments, and provide a visiting service in approximately 40 others:

  • HM Prisons at Acklington, Albany, Birmingham, Bristol, Frankland, Gartree, Grendon, Highpoint, Holloway, Leyhill, Lindholme, Long Lartin, Maidstone, Parkhurst, Pentonville, Wakefield, Wandsworth, Wormwood Scrubs.
  • HM Youth Custody Centres at Aylesbury, Castington, Feltham, Glen Parva, Hindley, Portland, Rochester.
  • Clinical psychologists are located in Birmingham, Holloway, Leyhill, Maidstone, Parkhurst and Wormwood Scrubs prisons.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many National Health Service clinical psychologists provide consultant services in prisons; which prisons they work in; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

Details of the consultancy work provided for the prison medical service are not readily available.