HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 c801W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce overcrowding of prisons. [74927]

Hilary Benn

I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect of prison overcrowding on the treatment of remand prisoners. [76628]

Hilary Benn

As of 30 September 2002, the total prison population was 72,315. Of these 7,963 were on remand, and a further 5,227 were remanded awaiting sentence.

It is obvious that such a high level of prison population will affect both convicted and unconvicted prisoners alike. The Prison Service closely monitors the effects of overcrowding and the conditions in which all prisoners are held are of equal concern.