§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a study comparing the facilities available in the Maze prison with those in other modern prisons in Western European countries.
5W
§ Mr. AlisonCertain information is already available about prison regimes in other Western European countries for comparative purposes and a fuller study would not be justified. The Government will, however, continue to have regard to practice in other countries and to make inquiries on particular matters as the need arises.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many representations he has received from individuals and organisations supporting his policy towards prisoners on hunger strike in Her Majesty's prison, Maze.
§ Mr. AlisonMany representations have been received, from a wide range of organisations and individuals in Northern Ireland, other parts of the United Kingdom and abroad, both in favour of and against the Government's policy. It is not possible, without disproportionate effort and expense, to give precise figures.