§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what improvements have been made in Pentonville prison relating to criticisms made by Her Majesty's chief inspector of prisons; which points of criticism remain unresolved; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received concerning conditions in Pentonville prison.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answers 25 March 1994]: Judge Tumin made 128 recommendations in his report of November 1993. There were five main recommendations; the Prison Service has accepted four, of which one is already being implemented. The further 123 recommendations to the governor have largely been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.
Some 17 recommendations are under active consideration. The remaining eight recommendations require further discussion.
In line with the main recommendations, it is expected there will be full access to sanitation by the end of 1994 and "slopping out" will no longer be necessary. There is an agreed strategic plan for building work; B wing is being refurbished and work should be completed by May 1995. Work to refurbish and extend the kitchen started in October 1993 and modernisation of the health care centre is intended for the financial year 1996–97. A review of staffing in the health care centre is currently being evaluated and a working group has been established to consider other health care issues. Computer software for budget management is to be provided.
570WThe remaining main recommendation was to review the policy of holding immigration detainees in Pentonville. The majority of people detained under immigration powers are already housed in Immigration Service accommodation. There will, however, remain a certain number of immigration detainees who will need to be accommodated in prisons because of their behaviour.
There have been no formal representations from interested outside bodies or pressure groups about conditions generally at Pentonville.