Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the factors underlying the recent increase in the number of women sentenced to imprisonment. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the factors underlying the recent increase in the number of women sentenced to imprisonment. [147457] Mr. Boateng: The number of women prisoners increased by 100 per cent. from 1993 to 1998, compared with a 45 per cent. increase in the number of men. The increase is due to more women going through the courts, and more women getting custodial sentences and for longer periods. In 1999, 70,800 women were proceeded against for indictable offences compared with 68,500 in 1998. Since 1997 the custody rate for women has increased by just over a quarter compared with a 9 per cent. increase for men. In the last five years, 50 per cent. of the rise is due to more women being convicted of drugs offences.

Secondary information