asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total number of persons held in prisons in Northern Ireland at present; and what estimates have been made of the numbers expected to be held in prison in 1976–77 and 1977–78.

The total number of persons held in Northern Ireland prisons and borstal institutions on 15th February 1976 was 2,792. Estimates for planning purposes of future prison population figures depend upon many factors, including the future level of violence, and are too speculative for publication.