§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with whom he discussed the increased powers that he has granted to adjudicating governors within the 429W Prison Service to sentence young offenders from three days to seven days' cellular confinement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe maximum periods for the punishment of cellular confinement were increased for both adult prisoners and young offenders on 1 January this year. My right hon. and learned Friend has previously discussed the proposal with ministerial colleagues and with the Director General of the Prison Service and informed the House of his intention to make the change on 10 December last year in replying to a question from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Burton (Sir I. Lawrence),Official Report, column 419.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons he agreed to increase from three days to seven days the punishment of cellular confinement that can be given by prison governors to young offenders and juveniles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMaximum periods for the punishment of cellular confinement were increased for both adult prisoners and young offenders on 1 January this year. The purpose was to strengthen the disciplinary powers of governors, which was particularly desirable in the light of increased offending in prison establishments.