HC Deb 19 March 1985 vol 75 cc432-3W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many strip searches were made of female prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh, in December, January and February, respectively; if he will give the number of persons involved and the number of times each person was searched; whether any prison contraband, smuggled item or illegal correspondence was discovered in any search, indicating which items; in how many cases prisoners refused to be searched and had to be restrained while the search was being concluded; and if he will indicate the reasons for the search, namely making an appearance at Armagh court house on remand, attending trial, inter-prison visit or other reasons.

Mr. Scott

During December 1984, there was a total of 38 strip searches carried out on 23 prisoners; one prisoner was searched on three occasions; 13 on two occasions and nine once. During January 1985, there was a total of 36 strip searches carried out on 26 prisoners; one prisoner was searched on three occasions; eight on two occasions and 17 once. During February 1985, there were 50 strip searches carried out on 31 prisoners; 19 prisoners

Attending Armagh remand court Attending trial Inter-prison visits *Others Total
December 1984 1 — — 37 38
January 1985 2 — 2 32 36
February 1985 1 1 2 46 50
* This category comprises searches in connection with first admission and final discharge, bail court appearances, attendance at other remand courts, appeal court hearings, outside hospital visits, the pre-release programme, and the home leave scheme.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will break down the published figures on the monthly incidence of strip searches in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh, to indicate the reasons for each

Attending Armagh remand court Attending trial Inter-prison visits Home leave scheme *Others Total
1984
June 2 1 — 6 29 38
July 5 — — 5 15 25
August 2 — 4 4 18 28
September 2 — — 1 10 13
October 2 — 2 5 21 30
November 2 1 4 2 24 33
December 1 — — 18 19 38
1985
January 2 — 2 — 32 36
February 1 1 2 2 44 50
* This category comprises searches in connection with first admission and final discharge, bail court appearances, attendance at other remand courts, appeal court hearings, outside hospital visits, pre-release programme and employment interviews.