HC Deb 12 January 1998 vol 304 cc83-4W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the dates and times of the last five full head counts of prisoners in each prison in Northern Ireland indicating for each such count whether the prisoners were locked in their cells at the time or outside their cells. [22175]

Mr. Ingram

With the exception of HMP Maze, head counts are carried out at frequent and regular intervals both in and out of cell. There are a minimum of five head counts in any period of 24 hours and these are detailed for the last 24 hours. At HMP Maze however, two head counts are carried out per day and prisoners are locked in the block but not in the cells.Head counts—HMP Magilligan

  • 08.00: Prisoners locked in cell
  • 12.30: (lunchtime) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 16.30: (return from work) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 17.30: (teatime) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 20.30: Prisoners locked in cell
Prisoners are checked approximately every two hours during the night in cell. Head counts—HM Young Offenders Centre
  • 08.00: (two checks) nightguard and day staff—Prisoners locked in cell
  • 09.30: (before work) Prisoners not locked
  • 12.45: (lunchtime) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 13.30: (unlock) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 16.00: (lock up) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 16.45: (unlock) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 20.00: (lock up) day staff—Prisoners locked in cell
  • 21.30: (nightguard) Prisoners locked in cell
Head counts continue during the night at irregular intervals. Head counts—HMP Maghaberry
  • 08.00: (unlock) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 12.30: (lunch) Some prisoners are locked in cell and some are in the exercise yards or out with work parties
  • 14.00: (unlock) Same as 12.30 above
  • 16.30: (lock up) Prisoners locked in cell
  • 17.30: (unlock) Prisoners locked in cell
    • 84
  • 20.30: (lock up) Prisoners locked in cell
In addition, regular cell checks are carried out by the nightguard every hour. Head counts—HMP Maze
  • 08.30: approximately
  • 19.30: approximately
Prisoners are locked in the blocks but not in their cells.

HM YOC is not a prison under the terms of the Act, but as the establishment is the responsibility of the NIPS it has been included in the answer.