HC Deb 01 November 1990 vol 178 cc732-3W
34. Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will next meet Judge Tumim to discuss current levels of suicides in British prisons.

Mrs. Rumbold

Her Majesty's chief inspector of prisons, Judge Tumim, has at my right hon. and learned Friend's request been carrying out a review of the prison service's policies and procedures for preventing suicides by prison inmates in England and Wales. I understand that Judge Tumim aims to finalise his report shortly. My right hon. and learned Friend would expect to discuss the report with him.

Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of Stae from the Home Department if he will list all attempted suicides in 1990 in prison department establishments, stating the age, sex and status; and whether the inmate was sentenced or on remand at the time of the attempt.

Mrs. Rumbold

By 31 October, reports on 136 attempted suicides in 1990 in prison department establishments had been received at the prison service headquarters. Information on age, sex and status and whether the inmate was sentenced or on remand at the time of the attempt is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.