§ 15. Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to extend the training period for prison officers in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ScottThe content and duration of the initial training course for new recruits to the Northern Ireland prison service is currently being reviewed, with the intention that a revised longer course should be introduced at the beginning of next year.
§ Mr. FatchettDoes the Minister realise that there is widespread feeling among prison officers that their training needs to be extended? Will he undertake to discuss any new training modules with the Prison Officers Association, so that it can participate in those discussions?
§ Mr. ScottAs soon as the content, broad outline and length of the course have been established, we shall, of course, consult the Prison Officers Association.
§ Mr. McNamaraWill the Minister say what extra instructions are being given to prison warders regarding the searching of babies and prams belonging to female prisoners in Armagh prison?
§ Mr. ScottIt would appear, from the line that the hon. Gentleman is taking, that he has swallowed whole the Republican propaganda that is being spread about a certain incident. Searching of babies does not take place in prisons in Northern Ireland.