§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the convicted terrorists who escaped from the Maze prison have been recaptured; and whether any improvements in security arrangements have already been taken in advance of the inquiry report.
Mr. PriorIn my statement on 24 October I advised the House that 19 of the escapers had been recaptured within a few days of the escape but that 19 were still at large. This remains the case, but I can assure my hon. Friend that every effort will continue to be made to trace these men.
As I also indicated on 24 October, progress has been made in improving security arrangements at Maze prison and at other prisons in Northern Ireland since the escape, and we shall continue to make such changes as appear appropriate in advance of Sir James Hennessy's report.