To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes to the regime in the mother and baby unit at Her Majesty's prison Styal have been made following the transfer of two mothers whose babies are aged over nine months.

The following changes have been made:

(i) Daily routines have been adjusted to ensure fewer household chores for the women in the unit thus allowing mothers more time with their babies.

(ii) Accommodation has been temporarily adapted to increase creche space.

(iii) Alternative accommodation has been found for pregnant women and this has increased space for the mothers and babies.

(iv) Toys appropriate for babies in the nine months to 18 months age range have been purchased. A larger playpen is being introduced in the education department to cater for the older babies of mothers who decide to undertake classes.

These are initial improvements. A steering committee, chaired by the area manager, will plan further developments ranging from regime enhancement to the expansion of accommodation.