HC Deb 15 May 1989 vol 153 c96W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors he takes into account when allocating a prisoner to a particular prison.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Allocation decisions are taken in the light of information relating to the nature of the prisoner's offence, sentence length, previous prison record if relevant, suitability for particular types of accommodation and regime, home area or that of likely visitors, educational and training needs or potential and any special needs which are identified. The aim is to make the best use of the prison accommodation available at the time while meeting the requirements of security and control and the needs of the individual prisoner.