Six prisoners killed themselves at the jail in 2003

The proposal has been put forward by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), which says half of those held at the jail are on remand.

Last year there were six suicides at the jail. It says many inmates simply cannot cope with life on the inside.

The board wants the courts to consider an alternative to custody.

We're not experts...we're just saying the government should look at alternatives to custody Alan Stockley, Chairman of the IMB

Alan Stockley, board chairman, said: "If there's an alternative to remanding people in custody then it should be examined.

"We're not suggesting that tagging is the answer, we're not experts on what the alternatives are, we're just saying the government should look at alternatives to custody."

If more remand prisoners were to be tagged then it would require a change in the law.

Some probation officers have raised concerns about inmates who were considered a risk to the community being allowed to stay in their own homes.

Karen McCloud, Assistant Chief Officer of the Probation Service, said: "People are remanded in custody for a number of different reasons.

"Magistrates have to satisfy themselves that they will not commit further offences, will surrender themselves to bail when the time comes and that they will not interfere with witnesses.