HC Deb 23 March 1989 vol 149 cc814-5W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of suicide or self-injury with apparent suicide intent, or other self-injury, occurred among those detained in police cells in 1987 and 1988.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

During 1988, the number of deaths in police cells resulting from self-inflicted injuries was three. The comparable number for 1987 was four. No central record is kept of incidents of self-inflicted injuries which do not result in death.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that circular instruction 3/1987 on suicide prevention is being properly implemented in prison department establishments.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Compliance by establishments with the procedures set out in CI 3/1987 is monitored by the prison service's regional directors. Establishments which are unable to implement the procedures in section C of the circular instruction because of pressure of numbers at reception have been authorised to make alternative arrangements; otherwise I am satisfied that the circular instruction is being complied with.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisons have made arrangements for Samaritans to have access to suicidal prisoners.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Although we have not monitored the progress of this initiative centrally, we are aware that a substantial number of establishments have made arrangements with the Samaritans.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress there has been in implementing the recommendation of the Chief Inspector of Prisons in his report on Her Majesty's remand centre, Risley; and what steps have been taken to implement circular instruction 3/1987 on suicide prevention at that establishment.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

A statement by the Home Secretary setting out the action which was being taken, including the full implementation of CI 3/1987, was published on 30 June last year, and a copy has been placed in the Library. The deputy director general of the prison service is responsible for following up the inspection report and will be visiting Risley for this purpose.