USE OF CELLULAR VEHICLES FOR PREGNANT PRISONERS

Early day motion 1603, tabled 8 February 2006 by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 62 members.

That this House is extremely concerned about HM Prison Service's use of cellular vehicles known as sweatboxes for transporting pregnant prisoners; is particularly concerned that the women are transported over long distances in cramped cells measuring 860mm by 620mm (34 inches by 24 inches) with hard seats and no seatbelts, often with insufficient toilet breaks; notes that women are often subject to lengthier journeys due to the distance between women's prisons; welcomes the Prison Service's plans to issue best practice guidelines on transporting pregnant women; and calls upon the Home Secretary to end immediately the practice of transporting pregnant prisoners in cellular vans.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, DUP 1, Respect 1.