Written question asked by Lorna Fitzsimons (Labour) on Monday, 5 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 July 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 July 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps are being taken to ensure that the custody ethnic monitoring form is filled in accurately by custody officers - Includes ref to Prison Service Order on Race Relations, copy in Library.

Answer: Lorna Fitzsimons: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to ensure that the custody ethnic monitoring form is filled in accurately by custody officers. [90270] Mr. George Howarth: On first reception into Prison Service custody, the ethnic origin of each prisoner is recorded with other personal details on a standard prisoner record. This is a mandatory requirement under the Prison Service Order on Race Relations, a copy of which is in the Library. Reception officers are responsible for obtaining and recording the ethnic origin of each newly received prisoner. The personal details recorded on this form, including ethnic origin, are checked on every occasion of transfer to another prison.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 90270; 335 c107W;335 c108W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Administration Ethnic groups Prisoners Prisons Monitoring Minority groups