§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the Scottish Prisons budget was allocated to suicide counselling in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [19829]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 9 December 1997]: Counselling is not a separate cost centre within the Scottish Prison Service's suicide prevention and healthcare strategies and the figures sought are therefore not available.
§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what mechanisms he has in place to provide suicide counselling and monitoring for female prisoners in Scotland. [19832]
§ Mr. McLeish[holding answer 9 December 1997]: On admission to Cornton Vale Prison, every prisoner is assessed by a nurse. Every prisoner is also seen within 24 hours by the Medical Officer for a full assessment including current and past mental health history and treatment. Each Prisoner is the subject of a weekly care meeting attended by a multi-disciplinary team of prison staff and professionals. If a problem is identified, the needs of the individual are established and progress monitored. Prisoners may be referred at any stage for counselling and have ready access to staff, psychologists, psychiatrists, nursing and medical support. Support is also available from a range of voluntary organisations and the prison's "Listener" scheme.