§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many strip searches have been carried out on women in Her Majesty's prison, Durham, in each of the last six months; and how many forbidden or dangerous items have been found.
§ Mr. Peter LloydComprehensive records of strip searches are available only in respect of category A women prisoners, of whom there were four in Durham during the last six months. These records show that from 1 January 1989 to 30 June 1989 each category A prisoner was strip-searched 2.4 times per month on average. No unauthorised article was found.
§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the report on Durham H wing by Anthony Lester, QC and Dr. Pamela Taylor, commissioned by Women in Prison, Prison Reform Trust, National Council for Civil Liberties and the Howard League; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have received the report and its recommendations are currently being considered.
§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will authorise an increase in the amount of time allowed for exercise to women prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Durham.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI will consider this in the light of the recent report by Her Majesty's chief inspector of prisons.
§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of prisoners who are employed; and what is the average working week, in Durham H wing.
§ Mr. Peter LloydOf the 37 women held in H wing of Her Majesty's prison, Durham, 36 are employed. The average working week is 25 hours.