HC Deb 13 December 1979 vol 975 cc1522-3
15. Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has held with the Prison Officers' Association regarding outstanding problems at Her Majesty's Prison at Liverpool, Hornby Road.

Mr. Whitelaw

I understand that, following the special delegate conference held last week by the Prison Officers Association, the national executive of the association will be making approaches on a number of issues arising from the May committee's report, including the Liverpool claim, and discussions will then be arranged as soon as practicable.

Mr. Heffer

May I welcome the statement made by the Home Secretary? As there is a real problem in Liverpool prison, within the overall problem, may I thank the right hon. Gentleman for giving me that reply?

Mr. Whitelaw

If I may respond in the same manner to the hon. Gentleman, he has been particularly helpful over the problems in that prison. I am very grateful for his co-operation in seeking to solve them sensibly in the future.

Mr. McQuarrie

Will my right hon. Friend consider having discussions with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland in connection with the May report?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman should be careful, as the subject of the question is Liverpool.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

Can the Home Secretary say why he is continuing to allow prison officers to deny the legal right of free access by Mr. Rod Morganat, a member of the board of visitors, to Pucklechurch remand centre, and why he is insisting on the resignation of Jonathan Pollitzer and Kay Douglas-Scott as voluntary workers at Wormwood Scrubs?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is in the same category as the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. McQuarrie). The question is about Liverpool prison.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Points of order are taken after questions.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths rose

—

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I remind the hon. Gentleman that he is taking up Question Time. I understood that he was asking a question about Pucklechurch. We were dealing with Hornby Road, Liverpool. The question was about the standing problems of Liverpool.