HC Deb 27 October 1989 vol 158 cc636-7W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to why the Metropolitan police have withdrawn from joint arrangements with Southwark and Islington councils to provide rape suites in these boroughs.

Mr. Peter Loyd

I understand from the Commissioner that a new examination suite for rape victims has just been opened in Copenhagen street, Islington. Premises offered by Southwark borough council were not considered to be in a suitable location and there are plans instead to use accommodation adjacent to Carter street police station when rebuilding takes place.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to increase the number of specialist units providing treatment for sex offenders in prison.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

We have no present plans to do so. The research referred to in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 4 May 1989 at columns231–32 will, when the results are available, facilitate an assessment of the current provision of help for sex offenders in prison.