§ Lord Dholakiaasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they have taken following complaints of impropriety by prison officers at HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs. [HL1473]
§ Lord Williams of MostynA dossier of complaints, compiled by Hickman Rose Solicitors, was forwarded to the Director General of the Prison Service through Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons early last year. The Director General immediately ordered an internal investigation which subsequently recommended that a police inquiry be established.
The internal investigation was suspended on commencement of the police inquiry so that the criminal investigation would not be jeopardised. Having concluded their investigation, the police have now forwarded a dossier to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) covering allegations against 43 members of staff at Wormwood Scrubs prison.
The CPS are now considering whether to lay any criminal charges. A senior manager has been appointed by the Prison Service to co-ordinate all matters relating to Wormwood Scrubs. Ministers and the Prison Service will await the outcome of the CPS consideration before deciding on any further action.