HC Deb 23 June 1966 vol 730 cc902-3
36. Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what precautions are being taken to ensure that prisoners do not escape from Walton Prison, Hornby Road, Liverpool; and if he will make a statement about the escape during the first week of June, 1966.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The escape referred to was facilitated by the regrettable overcrowding of this prison and by the fact that building operations were in progress. As to security measures, I would refer to the reply I have just given to the hon. Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Braine) and other right hon. and hon. Members.

Mr. Longden

Is the Home Secretary satisfied that this and other escapes were not contrived with the connivance of the prison staff?

Mr. Jenkins

I have not the slightest reason to suspect that. It is important that the House should realise that, worrying though these escapes are, many attempts at escape are frustrated by the ingenuity and devoted service of prison staff.