The average remand population numbered 11,600 in 1996, 200 more than the average for 1995. The average number of sentenced prisoners increased by 10 percent, from 39,100 in 1995 to 43,000 in 1996. Sentenced male young offenders increased by 15 percent over the 2-year period, from an average 5,600 in 1995 to 6,500 in 1996. The sentenced juvenile population between 15 and 17 years of age increased by 38 percent, from 960 to 1,260. The average female prison population rose by 14 percent to 2,300 in 1996. Females accounted for 4 percent of the total number in prison. Police cells were not used by the Prison Service to alleviate overcrowding during 1996. The number of sentenced receptions totaled 74,300 in 1996, 8 percent more than in 1995 when there were 69,000. Receptions of untried prisoners, 58,900 in 1996, were 7 percent higher than in 1995. The prison population on June 30, 1996, contained 10,200 people from ethnic minorities, 71 percent of whom were of British nationality. 13 notes, 10 tables, and 5 figures