The average daily prison population fell to 5,167, a drop of 5 percent on 1987-1988, and the second consecutive fall since 1986-1987. However, the total is still one of the highest for a number of years as, prior 1987-1988, figures had been steadily rising. The most significant falls were in those on remand and under 21 offenders. Within the overall reduction in the population, figures recording the average daily population of adult prisoners, by length of sentence in 1988, indicate that, in some cases, numbers were at record levels. They were in the 6 to 18 month and life categories where 519 and 368 prisoners respectively, were serving sentences. The number of inmates seeking medical attention continue to rise despite the fall in the prison population thus increasing the demand placed on the medical services. The numbers of male prisoners abusing both hard and soft drugs and alcoholism again continues to decline. However, the number of female prisoners abusing drugs continues to rise although the increase is confined to the abuse of hard drugs. HIV infection and its consequences place increasing demands on the Medical Services. Appendix.