HL Deb 04 October 2001 vol 627 cc58-9WA
Lord Hill-Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 26 April (WA 240), whether the examination of the governor's journal at Blundeston prison revealed any details of an alert during 25 to 30 December 1980; and whether in this period there was any mention of RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge or Rendlesham Forest. [HL734]

Lord Rooker

The governor's journal revealed no such details and there was no mention of RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge or Rendlesham Forest.

Lord Hill-Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to the absence of the governor's journals covering the period 25 to 30 December 1980 in respect of Holleslev and Highpoint prisons; and whether, in the absence of these records, they will consult the then governors about any alert or warning to evacuate during that period. [HL735]

Lord Rooker

The governor's journal is a record of day-to-day events, and the absence of journals so long after the event is not a cause for concern. The governors of Hollesley Bay and Highpoint prisons in December 1980 are no longer in the service and I am not persuaded that the effort required to trace them is justified.