Lord Averburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What investigation has been conducted of alleged interference with prisoners' mail in 'D' Wing, Wormwood Scrubs and whether any members of staff have been disciplined for their activities in this regard.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton): On 21st July, a quantity of mail belonging to inmates of 'D' Wing of Wormwood Scrubs prison was discovered at the prison. Some incoming mail had not been issued, and some outgoing mail had not been posted. The mail was dated between February and June 1982. A full investigation was conducted the following day on the Governor's direction, as a result of which a prison officer, who no longer works in 'D' Wing, was charged with neglect of duty. At the formal disciplinary hearing before the Governor the charge was dismissed, and I fear that it is not possible to say with certainty who was responsible for this incident. This was a most serious occurrence and the Governor has taken steps to ensure that the operation of the censor's office is more firmly supervised.