§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Chief Inspector of the Prison Service will have completed his report on the causes of the August/September disturbance at Hull Prison; and when this will be available to hon. Members.
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§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Chief Inspector of the Prison Service is already at work, but I cannot yet forecast when his task will be completed. As I explained in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead) on 14th October—[Vol. 917, c. 154.]—the question of publication will be among the matters I shall wish to consider when I have received and studied the report.
§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he is making for representation of prisoners at the forthcoming inquiry into the Hull Prison riot; and whether he will allow lay representation at this inquiry.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe inquiry is already in progress. The Chief Inspector of the Prison Service will, in the first instance, receive written statements from prisoners and from any other individuals who believe they have relevant factual information to bring to his notice. It will be for the Chief Inspector to consider and decide in each case whether he wishes to seek amplification of a written statement and by what means—e.g., by correspondence or by way of personal interview with the writer.