HC Deb 09 December 1997 vol 302 c503W
Ms Roseanna Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current arrangements for the(a) police, (b) courts and (c) prison service in respect of transsexuals; what plans he has to review these arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [19730]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

(a) The Association of Chief Police Officers suggested to forces in 1995 that a transsexual prisoner be asked to state a preference for the gender of the searching officer and to sign the custody record in confirmation. In the event of a lack of co-operation, the custody officer would treat the prisoner as being of the sex under which they were documented and living their lives. Best practice guidance for dealing with transsexuals is being drawn up and will be issued to forces.

(b) The Court Service has no special arrangements in respect of transsexuals. Where appropriate, the police and prison service escort service address any special accommodation requirements of which they may be notified. There are no plans to review this arrangement.

(c) The Prison Service decides where to locate and how best to care for transsexual prisoners on a case by case basis, taking account of such factors as their sex in law, their most obvious physical characteristics and their ability or otherwise to integrate with other prisoners. It is currently engaged in drawing up guidelines for issue to establishments on the care, management and treatment of prisoners with gender dysphoria.