24. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the recent escape of Thursion from Dartmoor was due to the relaxation of the regulations concerning the treatment of prisoners who had previously escaped from prison; that four prison officer:; were punished as the result of the escape; and whether he will consider remitting the punishments that have been imposed on these officers in favour of taking appropriate action against higher officials of the prison service who were responsible for the decision not to apply the appropriate rules in Thurston's case, thereby assisting in this prisoner's escape?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI know of no foundation for the suggestion that officers at Dartmoor Prison were instructed or authorised to relax in Thurston's case any of the regulations as to the treatment of prisoners who have previously escaped. Disciplinary awards were made against three officers for failing to carry out certain prescribed precautions, and I am not aware of any reason for reconsidering these awards.
Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware of the deep sense of injustice among officers at the punishment that has been inflicted, and of the allegation that is being made, according to the information supplied to me that the special regulations which ought to have been put into operation against the escaped prisoners were not put into operation by higher officers, while junior officers have been punished?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think my hon. Friend is wrongly informed. As a matter of fact the punishment was quite light and I do not think that any feeling of injustice could be justified.