Written question asked by Lord Boswell of Aynho (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Thursday, 29 March 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many prisoners were (a) aged over 65 years, (b) required major surgery and (c) had significant impairments or disabilities in each of the past five years; and what plans he has to make special arrangements for prisoners in these categories. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were (a) aged over 65 years, (b) required major surgery and (c) had significant impairments or disabilities in each of the past five years; and what plans he has to make special arrangements for prisoners in these categories. [155674] Mr. Boateng: The number of prisoners aged over 65 in each of the past five years is as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Year Number 1996 281 1997 317 1998 354 1999 427 2000 472 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. The number of prisoners who require major surgery or have significant impairments or disabilities is not collected centrally. Prisons, and their local health authorities, are currently assessing the health needs of prisoners, identifying appropriate services to meet those needs and effective ways of delivery. The aim of the needs assessment process is to provide prisoners with access to the same range and quality of services that the general public receive.

Secondary information