Northern Ireland (Prison Officers)

HC Deb 02 February 1972 vol 830 cc142-3W

Mr. Delargy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison officers have volunteered to go from England and Wales to work in internment camps in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison officers in England and Wales have volunteered to work in Ulster since 1st January, 1971; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sharples

Seventy prison officers who volunteered to serve temporarily with the Northern Ireland prison service are now in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Delargy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he agreed that prison officers should be allowed to go on detached duty to work in the Northern Ireland Prison Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sharples

At the request of the Northern Ireland Government my right hon. Friend agreed that prison officers from England and Wales should be invited to volunteer for a period of secondment in order to help the Northern Ireland prison service.