§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Roisin McAliskey's(a) father and (b) mother will be able to be present at her confinement. [17911]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 27 February 1997]: 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. Kevin McNamara, dated 28 February 1997:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the attendance of Ms Roisin McAliskey's father and mother at her confinement.Women prisoners are permitted to be accompanied by a birthing partner during their confinement. This policy applies equally to Roisin McAliskey as to other prisoners.Ms McAliskey has asked for two close relatives to be present. This has been agreed subject to the policy of the hospital in which she will give birth.