The latest figures in this respect which follow relate to 1994, 1995 and 1996. While the corresponding figures for later years are not available, as yet, steps are under way to ensure that statistics of the kind sought will become available on a more up-to-date basis in the future.
A new £6 million information technology programme for the Prisons Service is well advanced. As part of the programme a comprehensive prisoner records database is in the process of being installed across the Prison Service. This programme will address the lack of up-to-date information about prisoners, provide management with necessary information and enable the automation of many existing functions. Prisoner related information generally will be much more easily accessible and up to date once this new system is in operation.