§ 54. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in his inquiry into the security vetting methods used for staff at maximum security prisons, in 105W view of the escape of two of the convicted train robbers from separate prisons and consequent public disquiet over the comparative ease with which they absconded.
§ Sir F. SoskiceI am satisfied that adequate arrangements exist for checking the antecedents and personal suitability of members of the staff employed at maximum security prisons.
§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of the top security prisons have broken glass embedded on the tops of the outside walls; how many have overhanging or protruding barbed wire on the inside near the top; and if he will take steps to consult those who have had experience of escapes in war time.
§ Miss BaconNo security prison has glass embedded in the top of the outside walls, nor are outside walls normally provided with overhanging or protruding barbed wire near the top, since either might aid the use of escape apparatus. Two of the newer prisons, in which the main security barrier is incorporated in the buildings, are surrounded by steel mesh fences with internal overhang and barbed wire at the top; these are necessary reinforcements of the security of a fence as distinct from a wall. My right hon. and learned Friend is at present considering the need for further advice on prison security.