HC Deb 18 December 1990 vol 183 cc110-1W
Mr. Dickens

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many changes of underpants male prisoners are given each week; and whether there are any plans to increase this.

Mrs. Rumbold

Current issue scales allow for a minimum of two changes of underpants each week. Following a review of the range and style of prison clothing, this is being increased to a minimum of four changes a week through a phased programme between January and the end of 1991. The first inmates to benefit will be those in establishments in Kent and the north-east.