HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc1003-4W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to place a safety net in the open space between the first floor landing and the ground floor at Doncaster prison to prevent (a) self-harm by prisoners and (b) harm to prison staff by prisoners; and if he will make a statement; [40864]

(2) how many prisoners and from which of Her Majesty's prison establishments worked at Goodwood racecourse during its July meetings; how they were selected; if they were recompensed for the work; what was the total cost of the service; what proportion of this was borne by (a) the racecourse executive and (b) from public funds; and if he will make a statement; [40866]

(3) what is the (a) current number and (b) percentage of the current prison population at HMP Doncaster who have been imprisoned for (i) rape, (ii) murder, (iii) armed robbery, (iv) manslaughter and (v) arson; and what were the equivalent figures for 12 months ago; [40853]

(4) how may prisoners and from which of Her Majesty's prison establishments have worked at Doncaster racecourse during the last 12 months; how they were selected; if they were recompensed for the work; what was the total cost of the service; what proportion of this was borne by (a) the racecourse executive and (b) from public funds; and if he will make a statement; [40867]

(5) which trade unions are recognised by Premier Prison Services at Her Majesty's prison, Doncaster; and in respect of which issues the company is prepared to consult and negotiate with each trade union. [40854]

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for replies to be given.

Letter from Hugh Taylor to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 16 October 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Questions about Doncaster prison and prisoners working at Goodwood. The information requested is not immediately available and the Director General will write to you in full as soon as possible.