§ 38. Mr. William Wellsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure that prisoners do not escape from maximum security prisons by means of helicopters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarlisleThis type of threat to security was considered along with many others in the Mountbatten Report and has been reviewed from time to time since then. There are well established procedures for dealing with external threats to prison security, but we are considering as a matter of urgency whether there are any lessons to be learned from recent events.
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will have discussions with prison governors on security arrangements to avoid the possible use of helicopters in escapes from Her Majesty's prisons.
§ Mr. CarlisleDiscussions are held as necessary with prison governors on operational matters and there are well established procedures for dealing with external threats to prison security. But in the light of recent events the governors of key security prisons have been reminded of the need to test and review these procedures, in consultation with the police, in order that the response to any emergency situation may be timely and effective.