HC Deb 04 August 1966 vol 733 cc674-5
30. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the case, particulars of which have been sent to him, in which canteen accounts in Dartmoor Prison were fraudulently manipulated by a member or members of the staff; what action has been taken; and what position is now held by the prison officer principally concerned.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

In February, 1965, an inquiry into irregularities in the inmates' canteen account at Dartmoor Prison revealed a deficit of approximately £135. There was no evidence of fraudulent manipulation by any member of the staff, but the inquiry showed that the staff concerned had not fully complied with departmental accounting procedures and they were suitably warned. The two prison officers involved continue to be employed on duties appropriate to their seniority and experience.

Mr. Driberg

Could my right hon. Friend say what those duties are and where they are being conducted? Would he also consider putting in the Library of the House a transcript of that inquiry, so that one may find out which prisoner was responsible for initiating the inquiry? There seems to be some misunderstanding about that.

Mr. Jenkins

One officer is employed as a reception officer, and one is employed on general discipline duties. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I will look at the matter, though I am not sure whether his suggestion would be appropriate. The matter has been fully investigated, and I am sure that it does not call for further disciplinary action on my part.