§ 11. Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley)If he will request the Home Office to conduct an inquiry into the recent deaths at Parc prison in Bridgend. [41423]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Win Griffiths)I understand that the Prison Service has already made arrangements for investigations to be carried out into both the recent apparent self-inflicted deaths at Parc prison. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Office with responsibilities for prisons and probation has also asked the Director General of the Prison Service for a report on the current situation at Parc prison.
§ Ann ClwydI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. However, may I tell him of my concern? One of my constituents is believed to have committed suicide at Parc prison last year. There has still not been an inquest seven months later. Given the criticisms made by the Public Accounts Committee of Parc prison—understaffing, a lack of specialist staff and the fact that Wales has more overcrowded prisons than most parts of Britain—will my hon. Friend give this matter his urgent attention?
§ Mr. GriffithsMy hon. Friend will know that Parc prison is in my constituency. I can reassure her that I pursued all the matters that she has raised as constituency questions and that the Prison Service and the Minister with responsibilities for prisons are also taking steps to deal with issues relating to suicide in general.