HC Deb 07 June 1989 vol 154 cc135-6W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many rule 43 prisoners are held in the segregational unit at Her Majesty's prison, Leicester; and what proposals he has for improving the conditions in this unit.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

[holding answer 6 June 1989]: On 5 June 1989, one prisoner was held in the segregation unit at Leicester prison under rule 43 for the maintenance of good order or discipline. There are no proposals for improving the conditions in that unit.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the extent and effect on the running of gym, exercise and education periods of staff shortages at Her Majesty's prison Leicester; and if he has any plans to reverse this situation.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

[holding answer 6 June 1989]: The PE department currently has a full complement of four full-time PE officers and the PE programme does not suffer from staff shortages. However, for the 12 months prior to 15 May 1989 the department did run with one PE officer short. This caused 90 classes to be cancelled. Nevertheless, the inmates spent some 29,248 hours on physical education from May 1988 to May 1989.