Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Corston (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 13 January 2010.

Prisons: Search and Restraint

Question: My Lords, perhaps I may draw the attention of my noble friend the Minister to one of the recommendations in my report on women in prison, the effect of which was to abolish routine strip-searching in women’s prisons from 1 April 2009, and its replacement by a new system whereby strip-searching was done on an intelligence basis rather than as a matter of routine. I understand that the effect has been wholly beneficial. Might not that be considered in the light of this review of routine strip-searching for young people?

Answer: I am very grateful to my noble friend for reminding us that her report led to that change, particularly with regard to female offenders aged 17. One of the matters that we are looking at hard, with the Youth Justice Board review about to go to the relevant Ministers, is whether intelligence-led searching is not a better way forward.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 716 c502
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Body searches Pain Young offenders Restraint techniques Youth custody European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk