Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 February 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 February 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many female prisoners convicted of offences involving possession, supply or trafficking of controlled drugs were serving sentences of (a) less than three months imprisonment, (b) three to six months imprisonment, (c) six to 12 months imprisonment and (d) more than 12 months imprisonment. - Includes table of available figures.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many female prisoners convicted of offences involving possession, supply or trafficking of controlled drugs were serving sentences of (a) less than three months imprisonment, (b) three to six months imprisonment, (c) six to 12 months imprisonment and (d) more than 12 months imprisonment. [72359] Mr. George Howarth: The available information is given in the table. Population of sentenced females in prisons in England and Wales by principal drugs offence on 31 January 1999, by sentence length {1} _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Offence less than 3 months 3 months to less 6 months to less 12 months and over Total than 6 months than 12 months All drugs offences 5 5 33 782 825 of which: Unlawful supply -- -- 14 153 167 Possession with intent 3 3 13 138 156 Possession 2 2 7 38 49 Unlawful import/export -- -- -- 448 448 Other drugs offences -- -- -- 5 5 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Provisional figures

Secondary information