§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the circumstances which led to the escape of an inmate from the Wolds prison on 23 January.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe prisoner was unaccounted for at a routine security check at 17.00 on 23 January. In accordance with standard procedures, the police were informed as soon as it was suspected that an inmate might be missing and an extensive search of the entire prison was undertaken, including roof spaces and roof tops. The prisoner appears to have used some items of women's clothing in order to leave in the guise of a female visitor. In this way he would avoid the security procedures to which all male visitors were subjected. The prisoner gave himself up to the prison two days later. An internal review of the incident and procedures has taken place and all the recommendations for immediate action to prevent a recurrence have been put in place. The Home Office deputy controller monitored the incident from the outset.