1. Mr. Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the security arrangements for women prisoners; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Stanley Orme)The security arrangements at Armagh Prison are constantly being reviewed and, where possible, improved, but account has to be taken not only of internal factors but also of the security situation in Northern Ireland generally.
Mr. FowlerWill the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he has not received any request from the Home Secretary for an imminent transfer of the Price sisters to a prison in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. OrmeThe question of the Price sisters is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. McCuskerWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us the views of the Secretary of State, who visited Armagh Prison 598 this week, about the state of that prison with regard to adequate security for the type of woman prisoner that we have to deal with in Northern Ireland at present?
§ Mr. OrmeWe are satisfied about the security at Armagh Prison, particularly in respect of the governor and his staff. In those circumstances, until anything radically changes, we are leaving the matter as it is.