§ 76 and 77. Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the reason for the delay in satisfying the Liverpool police that five prisoners had escaped from Her Majesty's Prison, Hornby Road, Liverpool, on Thursday, 22nd December; and if he will make a statement;
(2) why the extra security measures recently outlined for Her Majesty's Prison, Hornby Road, Liverpool, were not effective; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe security measures of which I gave details in reply to the hon. Member's Question on 17th November related to the strengthening of patrols in the prison grounds. The carpenters' shop from which five young prisoners escaped on 22nd December is in a hut outside the main wall of the prison. The escape took place at about 4 p.m., but it was not discovered until just after 4.40 p.m. when the men were checked in the prison wing after returning from work. The shop and grounds were searched and as soon as it was confirmed at 5 p.m. that five prisoners had escaped the police were notified.
§ 78. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will instruct prison governors that their most important duty is to prevent escapes by prisoners in their charge; and that they must give priority to this consideration.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI have asked prison governors to give their personal attention to the maintenance of the highest possible standards of security.