§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reduce the number of prisoners with the maximum A security classification, with a view to identifying more precisely those likely to escape or cause violence.
Earl FerrersThe management of Category A prisoners has been subject to review in the light of escapes from HM Prison Brixton in July. The initial inquiry into the escape by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons was followed by a security audit undertaken by Mr. G. H. Lakes CB, MC, former Deputy Director General of the Prison Service, and Mr. R. Hadfield QPM, Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police. The report of this further work, which addresses classification procedures for high security prisoners, among other matters, was received by my right honourable friend the Home Secretary on 1st November and is currently being considered.