§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the number of(a) men and (b) women who have been appointed to boards of visitors to prisons in England and Wales during the last 12, six and three months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIn the last 12 months, up to 14 December 1994, 109 men and 90 women have been appointed to boards of visitors in England and Wales. Of these, 47 men and 36 women were appointed in the last six months and 37 men and 22 women in the past three months.
Members of boards of visitors carry out vital work and I am sure that the forthcoming review of their role, which I am undertaking, will serve to emphasise the importance of their contribution to the efficient running of prison establishments.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of(a) men and (b) women of an ethnic minority background who are members of boards of visitors at prisons in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThere are currently 84 men and 44 women of an ethnic minority background who are members of boards of visitors at prisons in England and Wales.