HL Deb 28 June 1990 vol 520 cc1809-10WA
Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How often prisoners can change their underclothes and socks at Leeds, Liverpool, Durham, Birmingham, Pentonville and Wandsworth prisons respectively.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

In each of the six establishments, prisoners can normally change their pants and socks twice a week; vests, if worn, can be changed at least weekly. Some prisoners, for instance those working in kitchens and those involved in dirty work, are provided with more frequent changes of clothing. Unconvicted prisoners are entitled to wear their own clothing.

Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When prisoners are issued with underclothes and socks at Leeds, Liverpool, Durham, Birmingham, Pentonville and Wandsworth prisons, whether the items are personal to them or have they been worn by other prisoners.

Earl Ferrers

At these establishments, and throughout the prison service, prisoners are issued with clothing which has been worn previously by other inmates. To provide new clothing for each prisoner would add considerably to costs.

Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How often prisoners can change their shirts and trousers at Leeds, Liverpool, Durham, Birmingham, Pentonville and Wandsworth prisons respectively.

Earl Ferrers

At Leeds, Durham and Birmingham prisoners can change their shirts three times a week, at Liverpool and Pentonville twice a week and at Wandsworth once a week. At Leeds and Liverpool prisoners can change their trousers as required, at Durham and Birmingham once a week and at Pentonville and Wandsworth once a fortnight. Prisoners engaged on certain types of work wear specialised or protective clothing; the frequency of change depends on the nature of work and type of clothing.

Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When prisoners are issued with footwear at Leeds, Liverpool, Durham, Birmingham, Pentonville and Wandsworth prisons whether the items are personal to them or have they been worn by other prisoners.

Earl Ferrers

At each of the establishments footwear may be new or may have been worn previously by other prisoners. Used footwear has to be in a fit state for re-issue, and to be disinfected before re-issue.