HL Deb 14 October 1997 vol 582 cc117-8WA
Baroness Hilton of Eggardon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of prisoners were out of their cells for (a) more than 10 hours per day and (b) more than 12 hours per day in 1995–96 and 1996–97.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Prison Service monitors the time that is available for prisoners to spend out of their cell, based on normal prison routine, rather than the actual time that prisoners spend out of their cell.

In 1995–96, on average 70 per cent. of prisoners were held in prisons where the average time available for prisoners to spend out of their cell was more than 10 hours. In 1996–97 the equivalent figure was 63 per cent.

In 1996–97, on average 28 per cent. of prisoners were held in prisons where the average time available for prisoners to spend out of their cell was more than 12 hours. In 1996–97 the equivalent figure was 24 per cent.

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the average daily time spent out of cells by prisoners in 1995–96, 1996–97 and in each month since April 1997.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Prison Service monitors the time that is available for prisoners to spend out of their cell, based on normal prison routines, rather than the actual time that prisoners spend out of their cell.

The average time available for prisoners to spend out of their cell for 1995–96, 1996–97 and each month since April 1997 was:

  • 1995–96: 11.4 hours
  • 1996–97: 11.2 hours
  • April 1997: 11.0 hours
  • May 1997: 11.1 hours
  • June 1997: 11.0 hours

The data for the current financial year are subject to final validation.