HC Deb 15 December 1988 vol 143 c712W
54. Mr. Ron Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in England and Wales are currently held in solitary confinement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Solitary confinement, which entails deprivation of all human contact, is not available as a punishment in England and Wales. Cellular confinement may be awarded as a punishment at a disciplinary hearing, but figures are not available for the number so held at any one time. In such circumstances, governors have discretion concerning matters such as visits, education facilities and religious observance.