Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: If he will comment on the arrangements for the forthcoming confinement of Roisin McAliskey within the Holloway prison arrangements. - Text of letter from Hugh Taylor of Prison Service.

Answer: Mr. Dykes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the arrangements for the forthcoming confinement of Roisin McAliskey within the Holloway Prison arrangements. [20982] 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 Hugh Taylor to Mr. Hugh Dykes, dated 20 March 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the arrangements for Roisin McAliskey's confinement. Ms McAliskey will be taken to an outside hospital for the birth of her child. She will not be subject to any form of physical restraint (whether by handcuffs or escort chain) when she leaves Holloway prison in order to be admitted to hospital, nor whilst she is at the hospital. This includes the period when she is giving birth. She has asked for two birthing partners to be present, and this has been approved. Ms McAliskey will be allowed to keep her baby with her following the birth. Her application to be accepted into Holloway's mother and baby unit was approved on 13 March.

Secondary information