HC Deb 21 June 1990 vol 174 c681W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has commissioned any research studies into the experiences and needs of prisoners with mental and/or physical handicaps in prisons.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 19 June 1990]: The Scottish Home and Health Department has recently commissioned two studies which are concerned with the needs of mentally disturbed people in prison.

The first, under the direction of Dr. David Cooke of the Douglas Inch clinic, Glasgow, is designed to examine the prevalence of various forms of mental illness among the prison population and to develop training packages to assist prison personnel in dealing with these groups of offenders. The second is being conducted by Dr. James McManus of Dundee university, and is concerned with the possible impact which regime factors may have in the creation and exacerbation of mentally disturbed behaviour.

Both studies began in January 1989 and are scheduled to report in December 1991.

In addition, the Scottish Home and Health Department is currently in discussion with a Scottish university over the possibility of conducting work on the problems faced by physically handicapped persons while in prison.