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Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many prisoners are detained in each special secure unit; and if he will list for each (a) the nature of crime for which the prisoner was convicted, (b) the (i) national origin and (ii) citizenship of the prisoner, (c) their special category status, (d) their length of detention in the unit and (e) how many medical examinations have been conducted in that time; and what supervisory mechanism is in place to ensure that any abnormal medical observations are acted upon. - Inc table.
Answer

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are detained in each special secure unit; and if he will list for each (a) the nature of crime for which the prisoner was convicted, (b) the (i) national origin and (ii) citizenship of the prisoner, (c) their special category status, (d) their length of detention in the unit and (e) how many medical examinations have been conducted in that time; and what supervisory mechanism is in place to ensure that any abnormal medical observations are acted upon. [89909] Mr. George Howarth: On 5 July 1999, seven prisoners were held in special secure units (SSUs), five at Whitemoor and two at Belmarsh. Only prisoners categorised as category A exceptional escape risk are held in SSUs. The table gives the information requested including the number of three monthly medical reviews conducted. These reviews are part of the operating standards for SSUs and are provided in addition to the normal health care facilities available to every prisoner. Any prisoner who is observed to be presenting abnormal medical conditions will be discussed by the senior medical officer and the unit governor. The senior medical officer will provide or recommend medical services as appropriate according to his judgment. Category A exceptional risk prisoners held in special secure units _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Nationality Offence Time spent in SSU Number of three-monthly health reviews Turkish Importation and supply of drugs 4 months 2 British Murder 2 months 1 British Conspiracy to supply drugs 1 month 0 British Armed robbery 2 months 0 American Conspiracy to murder 3 years 7 Colombian Customs evasion 2 years 6 Turkish Conspiracy to supply drugs 7 months 2 _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
89909; 335 c78-9W
Session
1998-99
Subjects
Medical examinations Prisoners Prisons Nationality Secure accommodation HMP Belmarsh Special category prisoners HMP Whitemoor
Contains statistics
Yes