Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 July 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he expects to produce an anti-suicide strategy relating to women in prison; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to produce an anti-suicide strategy relating to women in prison; and if he will make a statement. [128740] Mr. Boateng: The Prison Service's current suicide awareness strategy came into effect from April 1994. Its main principles apply equally across all types of prisons and prisoners whether male/female, adult/young offender or remand/sentenced. This approach to caring for the suicidal is based upon sound research and draws upon best practice from within other organisations. Strategies for reducing the risk of suicide are kept under continual review. The publication of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons thematic review: "Suicide is Everyone's Concern" last year provided a key impetus for this work. Work is in progress to examine how existing strategies can be better tailored to the needs of women prisoners. Guidance and good practice will be incorporated in a Prison Service order due for issue later this year.

Secondary information