§ Chris RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children have used strip/safe clothing as an instrument for self-harm in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [175468]
(2) what representations he has received on the suitability of the strip/safe clothing worn by children assessed as being at risk of suicide and self-harm in prison; and if he will make a statement. [175469]
§ Paul GogginsI am not aware of any case where a juvenile (aged 15 to 17 years) has used safer clothing to self-harm. However, such data are not collated centrally, and examination of each individual incident would involve disproportionate cost.
Prison Service policy is that normal clothing must not be removed from at-risk prisoners as a matter of course, but as necessary for the immediate safety of the prisoner, and then for the shortest time possible.