Vol. 429 No. 3
110 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the current problems in relation to the provision of space in prisons; if she intends to provide more places; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The number of persons in prison custody at any one time is about 2,200 and I am conscious of the fact that this high number puts pressure on accommodation, facilities and services for prisoners. I am at present reviewing policy in relation to the operation of prisons and clearly one of the policy options which has to be considered is the provision of more cell-places to relieve that pressure. There are other options such as the wider development of community-based sanctions as an alternative to prison custody, the development of more liberal parole arrangements etc. I will make a further statement in the matter when my review is completed.
