HL Deb 11 June 1990 vol 520 cc1-3

2.47 p.m.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many prosecutions have been initiated so far in respect of criminal acts committed during the recent disturbance at HM Prison Manchester.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

My Lords, three people have so far been charged under the Public Order Act 1986 with the serious offence of riot as a result of the disturbances at Her Majesty's Prison Manchester. The Greater Manchester police are continuing to pursue a major criminal investigation into the events.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Is he aware that public opinion expects that after the appalling events at Strangeways those responsible will be brought speedily to justice? Can he give any indication as to when any prosecutions other than the three which he has mentioned will be initiated, given the fact that some weeks have now elapsed?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, I understand my noble friend's concern. He will realise that there were 1,676 prisoners in Strangeways. All have to be interviewed, some of them two or three times. Over 500 prison staff also have to be interviewed. As I understand it, it is the intention of the prosecuting authorities to take decisions about individual cases only after collection of evidence is complete.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, will the Minister say a little more about the matter? Have papers been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions? Is he being involved, or is the matter being dealt with locally?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, the police are carrying out the investigations. When these are completed, they will submit the papers to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the matter will be taken from there.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, have the three cases to which the Deputy Leader of the House referred been before the director?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, as I understand it, that is so.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, will the Minister give the House some information about the person who escaped and who, we understand, was responsible for some of the worst rioting at Strangeways during the disturbances? Under what circumstances did he escape, and what is the news about his possible recapture?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, the escape of Alan Lord is a matter of grave concern. It is not yet clear how he escaped from an electronically controlled secure cell at Astley Bridge police station near Bolton. An investigation is already under way and will report to the Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police.