Winson Green Prison

HC Deb 13 November 1997 vol 300 c640W

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the detention of visitors to Winson Green Prison on 14 October; and how many children were detained. [15191]

Ms Quin

On the morning of 14 October 1997, the movement of all traffic and persons into and out of Birmingham prison was suspended for approximately two and a half hours to forestall a suspected escape attempt. This is in line with security procedures. As a result, 15 adult visitors to prisoners were required to remain in the prison until normal operational procedures could be resumed. There were no children among this number.

Refreshment and toilet facilities were made available and the visitors were kept informed. The prison has apologised to the visitors who were inconvenienced.