§ Mr. Bill Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the light of the escape of two dangerous prisoners from Perth prison, he is satisfied with the security at the prison; when a warning from the Prison Officers' Association that prisoners were likely to escape was first received; when the special precautions to prevent escape were imposed and when they were removed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindThe security of all penal establishments is kept constantly under review, and weaknesses are rectified as soon as they become apparent. The circumstances in which the recent escape of two prisoners from Perth prison took place are at present being investigated, and any additional security measures considered necessary will be implemented. Information about a possible escape attempt was received on 29 October 1980 from outside sources, not from the Prison Officers' Association. Immediately thereafter the governor informed all staff and issued written instructions that surveillance of all prisoners, and in particular certain named prisoners, should be increased. These instructions were not subsequently withdrawn.