Women Prisoners (Hansard, 7 November 1988)

§ Mr. Bermingham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women are currently being held under sentence in Durham prison.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
On Wednesday 2 November 1988 there were 35 women held under sentence in Durham prison.

§ Mr. Bermingham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to transfer women prisoners held in Durham to all-female establishments.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
There are no plans at present to transfer women prisoners held in Durham to all-female establishments.

§ Mr. Bermingham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women with their children are currently being held under sentence in prisons in England and Wales.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
On 4 November 1988 there were 27 adult women and six young offenders under sentence being held with their children in prison mother and baby units.

§ Mr. McNamara
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are made to safeguard the mental and physical health of category A female prisoners held on remand in solitary confinement.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
[holding answer 4 November 1988]: No prisoner is held in solitary confinement.
The care of the mental and physical health of category A female inmates, as of all other inmates in prison custody, is the responsibility of the medical staff supported by all the resources available to the prison medical services.
The conditions in which it is necessary to hold category A female prisoners provide a regime which is as varied and constructive as the needs of security allow, and include opportunities for exercise, recreation and association with others.