HC Deb 18 December 1996 vol 287 cc726-7W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what medical provision and supervision is available to pregnant category A women in Holloway prison. [9274]

Miss Widdecombe

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 from Richard Tilt to Mr. Peter Bottomley, dated 18 December 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question on medical provision and supervision available to pregnant category A women in Holloway prison. Holloway prison has a dedicated wing with specialist expertise and interest in caring for pregnant women. Admission to the unit is on a voluntary basis. Holloway, along with all prisons has the back up of the National Health Service, for both in-patient and out-patient facilities. In addition, consultants are contracted by the Prison Service to carry out clinics in the prisons themselves. Where necessary, prisoners are taken under escort to outside hospitals.