§ Mr. GrocottTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for the latest date available what was the certified normal accommodation and the actual population for each female prison in England and Wales.
§ Mr. MellorThe latest available information on certified normal accommodation and prison population at each of the prison establishments for females in England and Wales is as follows:
CNA1 Population2 Askham Grange 134 111 Bullwood Hall 126 113 Cookham Wood 120 118 Drake Hall 288 226 Durham 40 35 East Sutton Park 84 81 Holloway 517 481 Low Newton 36 38 New Hall 122 96 Pucklechurch 56 45 Risley 92 98 Styal 208 188 Exeter 5 0 1 Certified Normal Accommodation as at 11 March 1990. 2 Population as at 22 June 1990.
§ Mr. GrocottTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many female prisoners in England and Wales are classified as mentally ill or mentally disordered.
§ Mr. MellorOn 30 September 1989, the latest date for which information is available, 19 female prisoners in England and Wales were considered by medical officers to meet the criteria for detention in hospital as set out in the Mental Health Act 1983. Of these. 12 were considered to be mentally ill within the meaning of the Act.
§ Mr. GrocottTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities exist in female prisons in England and Wales to assist with visits from dependent children.
§ Mr. MellorAll female prisons have facilities for inmates to receive visits from their dependent children, including in some establishments play areas with games and toys and baby changing and feeding facilities. As circumstances and resources permit, the opportunity is being taken to improve visits accommodation in prisons. We are also seeking to encourage the provision of visitors' reception centres. The assisted prison visits scheme can in certain circumstances provide financial assistance with the cost of visits by children to their mothers.