HL Deb 28 October 2004 vol 665 c140WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many suicides there were in prison secure estabishments in 2003; and how many there were in 2004 up to 30 June. [HL4423]

How many of the suicides in 2004 committed in prison secure establishments between 1 January and 30 June were committed by (a) men; (b) women; (c) juveniles under the age of 18; and (d) members of ethnic minorities. [HL4424]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

In 2003, there were 94 apparently self-inflicted deaths in prisons in England and Wales. There were 49 during the period 1 January to 30 June 2004. Of these 49 deaths, 40 were men, 9 were women, and none were juveniles (aged 15–17). Six of the 49 were members of ethnic minorities.

Central to the suicide prevention strategy that I announced on 31 March is the need to reduce levels of distress in prisons and to promote the well-being of all staff and prisoners. The strategy has strong support from partner agencies and external organisations, and is being developed in close partnership with the Department of Health. The main principles of the strategy apply across all types of prisons, and to all prisoners, whether male or female and regardless of age and ethnicity. Meanwhile, women and juvenile prisoners are to benefit from specifically targeted and separate suicide prevention and self-harm management strategies being developed for them.