HC Deb 19 July 1977 vol 935 cc460-1W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the escape of three prisoners from High Point Prison, Stradishall, Suffolk;

(2) what precautions he is taking against further escapes from High Point Prison, Stradishall, Suffolk; and what arrangements he is making for local people to be alerted if, despite these precautions. prisoners do escape.

Mr. John

I regret that during the night of 10th-11th July three Category C prisoners escaped from High Point Prison by scaling the perimeter fence. Security routines are being reviewed in the light of this incident. At Highpoint, as at other prisons, detailed contingency plans are drawn up in consultation with the police and put into operation if an escape occurs. The governor is discussing with the local authorities details of an arrangement for local people to be alerted in the event of an escape.