WOMEN PRISONERS AND THEIR CHILDREN

Early day motion 833, tabled 14 July 1999 by Paul Flynn (Labour). Signed by 46 members.

That this House believes that custodial sentences for women offenders with dependent children should be used only when essential for public safety; believes that the imprisoning of babies should end and that redundant open prison areas should be converted to hostels for women offenders and children; calls on the Government to establish a new category for those women offenders with babies who are not a risk to public safety; and further suggests that women offenders who have been sentenced to custody should be allowed a period of two weeks prior to beginning their sentences in order for them to make arrangements for their dependent children.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 9, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.