HC Deb 08 February 1988 vol 127 c71W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of inmates in Scottish prisons in each year since 1974.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The average daily penal population in 1987 is provisionally estimated as 5,446. For earlier years, corresponding figures are given in appendix 2 of the annual reports "Prisons in Scotland" for 1985 and 1986.

Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of inmates in Scottish prisons aged(a) between 16 to 18 years (b) between 18 to 21 years and (c) between 21 to 25 years.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Detailed information is not available on the age distribution of the penal population in Scotland. The average daily penal population in 1987 is provisionally estimated as 5,446—of these 987 were young offenders under sentence, aged under 21.

An analysis by age of remand, direct sentenced and fine default receptions in 1986 was published in tables 8, 10 and 19 of Scottish Home and Health Department statistical bulletin No. 6/1987, "Prison Statistics Scotland 1986" (copies of which are available in the Library).