HC Deb 03 March 1977 vol 927 cc262-3W
30. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it the practice of his Department to issue statements setting out the facts in cases where prison officers are subjected to baseless attacks in the media, as for instance in relation to the confinement of Mr. George Ince at Gartree, in view of the fact that they are unable, under the terms of the Official Secrets Act, to do so themselves.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Naturally I deplore any unsubstantiated allegations against members of the Prison Service whether made through the media or by any other method, and I am always ready to take action, whether by formal statement or otherwise, to put the record straight. It cannot be overlooked, however, that the circumstances attracting publicity are often the subject of official inquiry, when it would be inappropriate for me or the Department to make immediate public comment. I agree that some recent Press accounts about George Ince's treatment in prison have been seriously misleading despite the provision of factual information in response to inquiries. The constraints on prison officers themselves making public statements in rebuttal derive not from the Official Secrets Act but from the standard staff rules applicable to the conduct of all civil servants.

43. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether representations have been made to him by prison officers expressing resentment at the allegations made against the Prison Service in the recent "Panorama" programme following the Hull Prison riots; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I am aware of resentment among prison staff over allegations made against the prison service during the recent BBC "Panorama" programme on the Hull Prison riot. As the House will be aware, I am awaiting the report by the Chief Inspector of the Prison Service on the inquiry I appointed him to undertake into the cause and circumstances of the riot at Hull. Separately from this inquiry, allegations that certain prisoners were maltreated by Hull staff after the riot ended have been referred to the Humberside police for investigation.