HC Deb 14 February 1996 vol 271 cc582-3W
Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the policy and training of prison officers in control and restraint techniques on pregnant prisoners. [15003]

Miss Widdecombe

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

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 14 February 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the policy and training of prison officers in control and restraint techniques on pregnant prisoners. The Prison Service has been revising the policy on the use of control and restraint methods in respect of pregnant women and prisoners with disabilities. The review group includes medical and nursing representatives as well as those who are experienced in the use of control and restraint techniques. The review was set up by the Director of Security and Programmes at the time of the changes which were made in the use of restraints, which were subject to the Home Secretary's statement on 18 January. I expect to receive the results of the review very shortly.

Mr. Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the option of temporary release for women attending hospital to receive maternity care is available. [14998]

Miss Widdecombe

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

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. George Howarth, dated 14 February 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the temporary release of women prisoners attending hospital to receive maternity care. On 25 April last year new arrangements for the temporary release of unescorted prisoners came into effect following changes to the Prison Rules. Under the new system eligible sentenced women prisoners, who satisfy the mandatory risk assessment, may be released on compassionate licence to attend hospital for maternity care and to give birth. Instructions to Governors governing the new national policy of release on temporary licence are set out in Prison Service Instruction 36/1995, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.