HC Deb 10 March 1999 vol 327 cc278-9W
Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the joint report with the Health Department on the Prison Medical Service. [74800]

Mr. George Howarth

Department of Health and Home Office Ministers have been considering carefully the review's findings and recommendations, in consultation with other Ministers with an interest. I anticipate the Government will be in a position to make an announcement and publish the report shortly.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the number of prison medical officers and doctors needed by the Prison Service with a diploma in psychiatric medicine or a more advanced qualification; [74802]

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of appropriately qualified prison medical officers needed for the Service; and if he will make a statement. [74804]

Mr. George Howarth

About 230 full-time or part-time doctors currently provide primary care in Prison Service establishments. There are 25 vacancies. The most recent survey indicates that at least 20 doctors have a postgraduate qualification in psychiatric medicine.

The issues of organisation, staffing and qualifications of staff working in prison health care are among those considered by a joint Prison Service and NHS Executive Working Group. The Group's Report is currently under consideration by the Government, and it is planned to publish the Report and to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have gained the Nottingham University Diploma in Prison Medicine since its inception; and what proportion of diploma holders are currently working in the Prison Service. [74803]

Mr. George Howarth

Nine prison doctors have graduated in the two-year Diploma in Prison Medicine since it started at the University of Nottingham in 1996. I was present when they all graduated in December 1998. They are all currently in the employment of the Prison Service.