§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on what action was taken by the security forces following the escape of seven detainees from the "Maidstone" prison ship in Belfast harbour on Monday, 17th January.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithImmediately the escape was suspected, with the discovery of the stolen bus in Verner Street, Belfast, the area was cordoned and searched. In addition, all available troops, including members of the Ulster Defence Regiment, were deployed to mount road-blocks around Belfast and in the rural areas beyond.
§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will now assume responsibility for security on the prison ship "Maidstone" in Belfast harbour and take steps to improve it.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithNo. The security arrangements on the "Maidstone" are the responsibility of the civil authorities although the Army remains in close touch with them and provides necessary assistance. I understand that a number of measures are in hand to improve330W security on the ship, including the provision of catwalks, additional bars and wire outside the portholes, and improved external lighting.
§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of State for Defence to what extent the security forces on the "Maidstone" prison ship have been strengthened after the two prison escapes from the Belfast Prison in recent weeks.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe "Maidstone" was not in use as a place of detention when the escapes occurred from Belfast Prison in November and December. However, those escapes were taken into account before the ship was brought back into use; additional precautions were taken inside the vessel, two additional guard posts were mounted and 12 additional soldiers have been deployed for external guard duties. I understand that the number of Northern Ireland Prison Service personnel has been adjusted according to the number of detainees held on board.
§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of State for Defence on how many occasions, since the "Maidstone" was first used as a prison ship in August, 1971, have consultations about security arrangements taken place with the Northern Ireland Government; and whether reports of the action taken on them by the Northern Ireland Government were made to the security forces thereafter.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithThe Army remains in constant touch with the civil authorities who are responsible for the security arrangements and has been kept fully informed of developments.