From House of Commons Hansard
Written Answers: 16th October 2007

Department of Justice

16 Oct 2007 : Column 954W

Prisoners: Transsexuality

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what guidelines are in place for dealing with transgender prisoners; and if he will make a statement. [157760]

Mr. Hanson: Prisoners are entitled to receive the full range of NHS services. In rare cases where a prisoner has or has had a gender dysphoria, a draft prison service order has been prepared. This contains

16 Oct 2007 : Column 955W

guidance on the management, treatment and care of these prisoners—both pre and post-operative transsexual people.

This document is currently subject to a formal consultation exercise involving a wide range of stakeholders. The document will be reviewed in light of the comments received and issued at the beginning of next year. Copies will be placed in the Library.