Written question asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 March 1996. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 March 1996 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: How many women prisoners have been tested under the random mandatory drug testing policy; and what were the results. - (Holding answer 18 March 1996). Text of letter from Brian Landers of Prison Service Agency. Figs given.

Answer: Mr. Carlile: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners have been tested under the random mandatory drug testing policy; and what were the results.[20616] Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 18 March 1996]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Brian Landers to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 19 March 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number of women prisoners tested under random mandatory drug testing and the results of those tests. Between April 1995 and January 1996 586 prisoners were randomly tested for drugs in women only prisons. Of the 586 samples tested 136 (23.2 per cent.) were positive for drugs; 57 (9.7 per cent) were for cannabis, 50 (8.5 per cent.) for benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) 26 (4.4 per cent.) for opiates, two (0.3 per cent.) for cocaine, and one (o.2 per cent.) for methadone. Statistics from establishments which house both male and female prisoners are not yet broken down by sex.

Secondary information