§ Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about progress made in relieving overcrowding at Leeds prison.
§ Mr. MellorOvercrowding at Leeds will be relieved by HM prison Lindholme which has now received its first prisoners, and by the changes of role at HM prison Hull and HM remand centre Thorp Arch which will take place as soon as a small number of outstanding staffing issues have been resolved.
§ Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about incidents involving violence against prison officers which occurred at Leeds prison on 19 November.
§ Mr. MellorAt approximately 8.10 am, staff dealt with an incident between inmates. Shortly afterwards, other incidents occurred. A small number of inmates were involved in these disturbances and each incident was quickly dealt with by staff. Unfortunately, in the process, some injuries were sustained by members of staff, and six officers were sent for hospital treatment. One was initially detained but was allowed home later the same day. The police have been asked to investigate, in accordance with normal practice. Furthermore, at approximately 8.45 am, two inmates reported seeing flames in a warm air duct. As a precautionary measure, the wing was evacuated and the fire brigage attended, but no evidence of fire was found. The prison resumed normal working shortly before 9.15 am and has been operating normally since.