HC Deb 10 February 1966 vol 724 c131W
71. Mr. Victor Yates

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the new dangers that have arisen, he is satisfied with the state of security at Durham Prison; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

No new dangers have arisen. It was thought that an armed rescue of some of the prisoners involved in the mail train robbery might be attempted at Durham Prison, and to guard against this possibility an armed militairy piquet was provided. The prisoners have now been transferred to the new special security wing at Parkhurst where security measures not involving the use of troops are in operation.

72. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Durham county on the risk of bombs, tanks and atomic weapons being used to free the train robbers from Durham Prison; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I would refer to the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Park) on 9th February.