§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what lessons his Department learned from the incident involving the MV Earl William in 1987; what account has been taken of such incidents in his consideration of the proposal for prison ships; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe incident involving the MV Earl William highlighted the importance of safety issues in using ships for purposes of detention.
Health and safety issues are being fully taken into account in considering the option of using marine detention facilities to accommodate the rising prison population.
This is only one option being considered; no final decision has been taken on its feasibility.