Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 October 1995. It was answered by Baroness Blatch (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 October 1995.

Blatch, Baroness

Question: How many men have been subjected to PPG tests in the current and previous three years; how many had "spent convictions" for sexual offences; and how many had no previous conviction for a sexual offence; and what is the scientific validity, particularly for predicting subsequent behaviour, and the margin of error in PPG tests, whether side-effects from exposure to mercury have been noted among those subjected to tests; and whether PPG tests have been independently evaluated; and what comparisons have been made, if any, between the reactions of prisoners and non-prisoners to PPG testing; and whether in all cases those undergoing PPG testing have to be subjected to erotic, pornographic or sadistical material, and what effect this is considered to have particularly on long-term prisoners; and whether they can confirm that penile plethysmograph (PPG) tests are continuing on men imprisoned for sexual offences; whether testing was publicly announced in advance and on whose authority such tests are conducted; and what account is taken of the effect on relations between prisoners and their families and on relationships within prisons (especially re Rule 43) before PPG tests are ordered. Letter from the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, Mr Richard Tilt. - Inc figs.

Secondary information