USE OF CELLULAR VEHICLES FOR PREGNANT PRISONERS

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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.