HL Deb 20 April 1995 vol 563 cc61-2WA
Baroness Faithfull

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the consumption of fresh milk for prisoners at Styal prison has recently been reduced from half a pint a day to one pint a week; and, if so, what are the reasons for this, and what are the implications in respect of an adequate intake of calcium in view of the higher risk of osteoporosis in women.

Baroness Trumpington

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter to Baroness Faithfull from the Director General of the Prison Service, Mr. Derek Lewis, dated 20 April 1995:

Lady Blatch has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the allowance of fresh milk for prisoners at Styal.

Until last year an extra supply of milk was provided for life sentenced and long term prisoners at Styal. The governor decided that this could no longer be justified as there is no nutritional reason why long-term prisoners should require more milk than other prisoners. Other than this, there has been no significant reduction in the allowance of milk. At present, approximately 450 pints of milk per week are ordered for 230–240 prisoners. A balanced and nutritious diet is provided for all prisoners at Styal and the withdrawal of the old additional allowance will not lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Where there are clinical reasons for doing so, for example in the case of pregnant women and nursing mothers, the medical officer has discretion to allow a prisoner additional milk.

If a prisoner is concerned about the level of calcium in her diet she may consult the medical officer, who will prescribe dietary supplements if necessary.