Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 July 2002. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 July 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what response he has made to the Howard League's recent report on suicide following prison release; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to the Howard League's recent report on suicide following prison release; and if he will make a statement. [67015] Mr. Hilary Benn: The Government welcomes this report for the attention it rightly gives to the issue of suicide prevention. The National Probation Service is using it to inform the work it is doing in this area, which includes commissioning more detailed research into deaths in approved premises and the preparation of interim guidance on the reporting of and prevention of deaths. The National Probation Service is also working with the Prison Service to improve arrangements for the release of prisoners into approved premises. Consideration is also being given to how investigations into deaths in custody and in approved hostels may be strengthened.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 67015; 389 c1522-3W;389 c1519W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Offenders Probation National Probation Service for England and Wales Suicide
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk