§ Sir Timothy Kitsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the recent escape from Her Majesty's prison, Northallerton, if he will review existing arrangements so as to ensure that the local people are informed when prisoners escape from prison in order that they can take necessary precautions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo. I am satisfied with the existing arrangements both for notifying the public in the interests of their protection and for assisting in the apprehension of escapers. Under these arrangements, the police, who are immediately informed of an escape and of the nature of an escaper, decide whether there is a need to alert the public and what advice to give them.