HL Deb 10 March 1975 vol 358 cc126-7WA
The Earl of LONGFORD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) how many segregated units are now in operation in H.M. Prisons;
  2. (b) in how many cases facilities for association are available outside hours of work and periods of exercise ;
  3. (c) why such facilities have hitherto not been available at Wormwood Scrubs ;
  4. (d) whether, now that the plans for a control unit at Wormwood Scrubs appear to have been dropped, the aforesaid facilities can be speedily introduced.

The MINISTER of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Harris of Greenwich)

There is a segregation unit for prisoners removed from association in accordance with Rule 43 of the Prison Rules 1964 and for prisoners undergoing punishment involving cellular confinement, at each of the seven dispersal prisons. They were established following the Report of the Advisory Council on the Penal System on the Régime for Long-Term Prisoners in Conditions of Maximum Security.

The degree of association permitted depends on the grounds on which the prisoner is placed in the segregation unit and conditions vary to some extent in accordance with the particular facilities available at each prison. But the general rule is that for prisoners removed from association under Prison Rule 43 for the maintenance of good order and discipline there is no association except as appropriate, and to a limited extent, at work or on exercise. Prisoners removed from association for their own protection may, at the governors discretion, work, dine, exercise and undertake leisure activities in association with other prisoners in the segregation unit. The degree of association permitted to prisoners undergoing punishment will depend on the particular requirements of their punishment award. Exceptions may be made to these general rules in particular cases; and all prisoners may, at the governor's discretion, attend church services in the main prison chapel.

Wormwood Scrubs has a segregation unit but severe shortage of staff and lack of suitable accommodation have prevented association other than at work and exercise.

The bringing into operation of the control unit at Wormwood Scrubs has been postponed indefinitely. My right honourable friend is considering using the accommodation in the meantime to provide an additional facility (such as exists in some other estabishments) for the separate accommodation of prisoners removed from association under Rule 43 for their own protection. In so doing it is hoped to provide a more varied regime and a greater measure of association for this type of prisoner. But availability of staff will remain the critical factor.