Written question asked by Max Madden (Labour), 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: Pursuant to his Answer of 17th March, Official Report, columns 403-4W, concerning strip searching of prisoners detained at HMP Holloway, when strip searching was introduced on the routine basis described in the reply; since that date, how many items of contraband have been discovered on (a) pregnant women, (b) remand prisoners and (c) convicted prisoners. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of Prison Service. Includes reference to Security Manual (in Library) and fact that will write.

Answer: Mr. Madden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 March, Official Report, columns 403-04, concerning strip searching of prisoners detained at HMP Holloway, when strip searching was introduced on the routine basis described in the reply; since that date, how many items of contraband have been discovered on (a) pregnant women, (b) remand prisoners and (c) convicted prisoners; and if he will make a statement. [21290] 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 Richard Tilt to Mr. Max Madden, dated 20 March 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about strip searching of prisoners at Holloway prison. Strip searching of prisoners is part of our normal security procedures as set out in the Security Manual, a copy of which is in the Library. These procedures have been in use for many years at Holloway. The detailed breakdown of figures you asked for are not available. I will write to you later giving those figures which are available.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21290; 292 c842W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Body searches Prisoners Prisoners on remand Pregnancy Remand in custody HMP/YOI Holloway
Contains statistics: Yes