§ Lord Bonham-Carterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the total prison population and total certified normal accommodation on the most recent convenient date compared with 12 months previously.
Earl FerrersThe latest available information about certified normal accommodation relates to 31st March 1990 when the total was 44,153, not counting places temporarily taken out of use for refurbishment or in establishments closed during the year. Approximately 1,265 places were subsequently lost in the prison disturbances in April. The certified normal accommodation for 31st March 1989 was 45,046. On Friday 6th July the total prison population stood at 45,571 including 842 in police cells. This is 3,321 fewer than one year previously when, on 7th July 1989, the total prison population was 48,892, including 207 prisoners in police cells.