HC Deb 28 June 1984 vol 62 cc1149-51
8. Mr. A. Cecil Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with conditions at present prevailing in Magilligan prison.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)

My right hon. Friend and I are satisfied with the conditions available to prisoners in Magilligan prison. We are, of course, aware of the continuing campaign for the segregation of Loyalist and Republican prisoners, and we are keeping all aspects of the situation under review, in consultation with the governor.

Mr. Walker

Will the Minister comment on disquieting reports that conforming Loyalist prisoners are being physically abused by Republican prisoners and have lost privileges and freedom as a result? Will he also comment on the fact that prison officers seem unable to keep the situation under control, with the result that further privileges and freedoms have been lost? In those circumstances, does the Minister agree that some form of separation should be introduced, similar to that being instituted in the Maze, in an effort to control the situation?

Mr. Scott

I am not prepared to accept a situation in the prisons of Northern Inland in which the prisoners can decide where and how they are to be accommodated. That would have the gravest implications for the influence of paramilitary groups within the prisons. Certain aspects of the situation at Magilligan give cause for concern, but the governor and his staff are alert to ensure that any disturbances are speedily quelled and those responsible punished.

Mr. Beggs

Does the Minister accept that a Protestant prisoner in Magilligan—I can give his name and number — who is not a member of a paramilitary organisation has stated that he has broken no prison rules but that when he attempt ed to use the canteen facilities within the last week he was attacked and beaten up by Republican prisoners, and that he was then found guilty of fighting and lost 28 days' remission? Does the Minister agree that if that prisoner's statement is proved correct, the position is entirely unacceptable? Will the Minister undertake to investigate the case in detail so as to ensure that prisoners who wish to serve their sentences in safety have the protection of prison officers while in prison?

Mr. Scott

I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman's last point. We are concerned to ensure that prisoners can serve their sentences in safety in the prisons to which they are sent. It is not for me to comment from the Dispatch Box on the case that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, as I suspect that he has only one side of the story, but if he writes to me about it I stall certainly investigate.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Will the Minister express in this House his great concern about the prison officers who from time to time have highlighted the security situation in Magilligan prison? Does lie agree that the governor should be able to exercise his prerogative and institute separation for the good of the prisoners, so that there will not be confrontations and attacks, given that many Protestants have been injured at that prison?

Mr. Scott

Half the wings at Magilligan are fully integrated and prisoners are conforming and working very satisfactorily. In the others, in at least two of the blocks, there is active paramilitary involvement in some of the disturbances and certainly collusion on some occasions between paramilitaries of the two sides. The governor and staff do their best to ensure that prisoners can serve their sentences in safety.

Mr. Soley

The problems faced by the staff in Magilligan highlight the problems facing the whole Northern Ireland prison system, many of which were discussed in the Hennessy report. What progress is being made to implement those general recommendations, particularly those concerning the training of prison officers?

Mr. Scott

The majority of the recommendations in Sir James Hennessy's report have now been implemented. The others will take longer to implement. There has been some advance on the training front, but discussions with the Prison Officers Association and others are still continuing on some aspects of the matter.