Written question asked by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he plans further studies into the relationship between diet and behaviour in prisons and young offender institutions; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he plans further studies into the relationship between diet and behaviour in prisons and young offender institutions; and if he will make a statement. [195721] Paul Goggins: Research into the possible link between nutrition and offending behaviour in young offenders is currently being considered by the Home Office. We are exploring the possibility of conducting research within a community setting, both in relation to sentences served in the community and to re-offending rates post- custody. In addition the Prison Service has offered access to Natural Justice for research on the impact of diet on behaviour. Interest has been generated by an earlier 1996 study on diet and behaviour at Aylesbury young offender institution. The results appeared to show a positive effect on behaviour, although the number of prisoners involved was too small to make the drawing of wider conclusions possible. The study did not follow up the young offenders once they had been released, so it was not possible to measure the impact on re-offending.

Secondary information