§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the escape of the four men under escort when being driven from Canterbury prison to Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday 24 June in a hired minivan; why such a van was hired and at what cost; and what precautions are made to check on the reputations of the minicab firms used on such occasions.
§ Mr. MayhewOn 24 June 1981, on the M2 motorway, four prisoners from Canterbury prison overpowered the three escorting officers, freed themselves from their handcuffs and took control of the minibus in which they were being driven to Tunbridge Wells magistrates' court. They then drove the vehicle, three prison officers and the civilian driver who had been handcuffed together to South-East London before making off. The prison governor has carried out an inquiry into the incident: there was no suggestion of negligence or collusion by prison staff or civilians involved.
Taxis and minibuses are routinely used to convey prisoners to court. Governors have instructions to make careful inquiries of the reliability and reputation of hire firms before letting contracts. The cost of the minibus on this occasion was £31.25.