Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have escaped from open prisons during (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000, broken down into offences for which they were sentenced; and if he will make a statement. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have escaped from open prisons during (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000, broken down into offences for which they were sentenced; and if he will make a statement. [136999] Mr. Boateng: Prisoners who escape from open prisons are classified as absconders. The number of absconds from open prisons are given in the table. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number 1997 720 1998 607 1999 568 2000 (up to 6 November) 427 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. A breakdown of these figures by offence could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information