To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners detained in Essex have been classified as in need of assistance for mental health problems; and if he will make a statement. (190704)

This information is not held centrally.

Investment in prison mental health in-reach services has been nearly £20 million each year since 2004-05. In total, the Government are investing around £200 million on prison health services in 2006-07—a substantial increase on the £118 million spent in 2002-03.

All prisoners, both new prisoners and those transferred from one prison to another, benefit from a new health screening process that is designed to detect physical and mental health problems.

Prisoners who are identified as needing further help can be referred to a mental health in-reach team, who will arrange further assessment and follow up referral.