Written question asked by Vera Baird (Labour) on Thursday, 27 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2003. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to survey the women's prison population to determine prisoners' home locations in order to facilitate resettlement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to survey the women's prison population to determine prisoners' home locations in order to facilitate resettlement. [141620] Paul Goggins: There are no plans currently to conduct such a survey. As at 30 September (the latest date for which information is available) 50 per cent. of the women prisoners who gave details of their home addresses were held under 50 miles from home. 26 per cent. were held between 50 and 100 miles from home, and 24 per cent. were held more than 100 miles away from their home address. The provision of housing advice and support is being strengthened in women's prisons, especially in those with a local function, and wherever possible the Prison Service aims to hold prisoners in establishments that are near to their homes or to the courts dealing with their cases.

Secondary information