Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 February 1999. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Monday, 8 February 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is his policy on providing passive drug dogs in prisons; and what is the cost of keeping each dog. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on providing passive drug dogs in prisons; and what is the cost of keeping each dog. [69635] Mr. George Howarth: The use of passive drug dogs is an important element in the Prison Service's strategy for tackling the supply of illegal drugs into prisons. There are currently 34 passive drug dogs across the service, with around 50 additional dogs planned over the next three years. The annual cost of keeping each dog is approximately £2,087.

Secondary information