HC Deb 09 May 1990 vol 172 cc142-3W
Miss Emma Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can give a breakdown of the charges faced by pregnant women currently held on remand.

Mr. Mellor

On 1 May 1990 there were eight pregnant females held on remand. Of these one is charged with murder, one with burglary and theft, four with theft or fraud, one with arson, and one with criminal damage.

Miss Emma Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners were pregnant at the last count.

Mr. Mellor

On 1 May 1990, 35 female prisoners were known to be pregnant.

Miss Emma Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women who have been known to be pregnant have been sentenced to prison in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Mellor

The information requested is not available.

The annual reports of the work of the prison department do however record the number of pregnant females temporarily removed to outside hospitals for delivery and returning to establishments afterwards. The figures are:

Number
1988–89 63
1987–88 75
1986–87 71
1985–86 71
11984–85 70
1983 270
1982 251
1981 74
1980 75
1979 274
1 Covers 15 month period.
2 Additionally, in each of the years 1979, 1982 and 1983 there was one delivery in an establishment.

Miss Emma Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give a breakdown of the sentences subsequently received by pregnant women held on remand in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Mellor

The information requested is not available.

Miss Emma Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can give a breakdown of the offences for which pregnant women who have been sentenced to jail have been convicted.

Mr. Mellor

On 1 May 1990 there were 27 pregnant females serving sentences of imprisonment. Of these:

  • 10 had been convicted of offences of theft or fraud.
  • 7 had been convicted of offences of violence against the person.
  • 6 had been convicted of drugs offences.
  • 2 had been convicted of burglary offences.
  • 1 had been convicted of a sexual offence.
  • 1 had been convicted of aiding and abetting blackmail.

Where a woman had been received on sentence for several offences, only the principal criminal offence has been stated.