Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 June 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 7 June 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many children have used strip/safe clothing as an instrument for self harm in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; what representations he has received on the suitability of the strip/safe clothing worn by children assessed as being at risk of suicide and self-harm in prison; and if he will make a statement. - Including fact that I am not aware of any case where a juvenile has used safer clothing to self-harm.

Answer: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children have used strip/safe clothing as an instrument for self-harm in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement; [175468] (2) what representations he has received on the suitability of the strip/safe clothing worn by children assessed as being at risk of suicide and self-harm in prison; and if he will make a statement. [175469] Paul Goggins: I am not aware of any case where a juvenile (aged 15 to 17 years) has used safer clothing to self-harm. However, such data are not collated centrally, and examination of each individual incident would involve disproportionate cost. Prison Service policy is that normal clothing must not be removed from at-risk prisoners as a matter of course, but as necessary for the immediate safety of the prisoner, and then for the shortest time possible.

Secondary information