§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the age of the remand prisoner who attempted suicide at Cardiff prison on 22 June.
§ Mr. Peter LloydResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the director general for the prison service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
340WLetter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Alun Michael, dated 27 June 1993
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the age of the prisoner who attempted suicide at Cardiff prison on 22 June.
The prisoner was aged 18 and was discovered hanging from the window bars at about I am by the prisoner sharing his cell. He summoned staff who, finding no sign of life, resuscitated him while awaiting an ambulance. The prisoner was taken to hospital and, I am pleased to say, is recovering. He will return to custody as soon as he is fit.
This young man was seen by a doctor on reception at Cardiff as part of the standard screening for potential suicides. He was considered not to be at risk and gave no indication that he would attempt to take his own life. Staff at Cardiff prison are to be commended for their prompt and professional action in saving this young man's life. The prisoner who summoned help has had counselling and I understand that both his father and solicitor have praised staff at the prison for their care and humanity.