§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many strip searches have been carried out in prison institutions in the last five years in Northern Ireland.
§ Sir John WheelerThe purpose of full searching of prisoners in Northern Ireland is to detect items such as explosives, weapons, drugs and other illegal items in order to reduce the risk of escape and the potential for injury to prisoners, staff and visitors.
§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons alternative electronic methods are not used in place of strip searching in prison institutions.
§ Sir John WheelerThere are no mechanical or electronic devices which can detect the wide range of contraband capable of being secreted on a prisoner's person.