Written question asked by Lord Jones (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: What is the latest estimate of the numbers of prisoners in United Kingdom (a) open and (b) closed prisons; and what were the corresponding figures for 1991. - Includes text of letter from AJ Pearson of Prison Service Agency and ref to 'Prison statistics, England and Wales', table 1.7 of 1991 edition c2157; and table 1.6 (in Library).

Answer: Mr. Barry Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest estimate of the numbers of prisoners in United Kingdom (a) open and (b) closed prisons; and what were the corresponding figures for 1991. [40053] Miss Widdecombe: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Barry Jones, dated 14 October 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the latest estimate of the numbers of prisoners in United Kingdom open and closed prisons; and the corresponding figures for 1991. On 31 July 1996, there were 4,650 prisoners in open prisons and 51,500 persons in closed prisons in England and Wales. These figures include prisoners held in young offender institutions. Information for 30 June 1991 is published in "Prison statistics, England and Wales", table 1.7 of the 1991 edition, column 2157; annual average population figures are given in table 1.6. A copy of "Prison statistics" is available in the Library. Information for Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Secondary information