HC Deb 14 March 1973 vol 852 c372W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his future policy about handling IRA suspects or prisoners who need hospital treatment.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Subject to medical considerations, high security prisoners requiring hospital treatment will in future be admitted only to secure hospital accommodation.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have now been made to guarantee the custody of IRA suspects or prisoners who require hospitalisation.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Arrangements to ensure the safe custody of high security prisoners attending hospital include the provision of additional secure hospital accommodation and the introduction of stricter procedures for escorting prisoners to and from hospital.