§ In the temporary absence of Mr. Lewis, the Director General, the Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of prisoners who escaped from Prison Service escorts in the East Midlands and Humberside region last year from taxis and from Prison Service vans.
§ From 1 January 1992 to 31 December 1992 a total of 7 prisoners escaped from Prison Service escorts in the East Midlands and Humberside region. One inmate escaped from a taxi; 6 escaped from hired coaches or mini-buses. There were no escapes in this region from Prison Service vans.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners escapes have occurred in each court region in each of the last five years from private hire vehicles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the director general of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Mr. I. Dunbar to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 27 April 1993: