§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of Republican prisoners at present engaged in the "no washing" campaign in the Maze Prison.
§ Mr. ConcannonThere are 290 prisoners at present not conforming to prison rules in the H blocks at Her Majesty's Maze Prison.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of Republican prisoners at present engaged in the "no washing" campaign in the Crumlin Road Prison.
§ Mr. ConcannonNone.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the warning of infectious disease issued by a consultant of the Royal Victoria Hospital, if he will now take steps to safeguard those prisoners not taking part in the "no washing" campaign on the Maze Prison.
§ Mr. ConcannonI have noted the reports of the statement by the consultant. I can assure the hon. Member that the medical aspects of the present campaign are being carefully watched in the light of reports from doctors who know the situation in the prison, and that any necessary action will be taken to safeguard the health of prisoners. There is at present no evidence of skin infection or any other disease among the prisoners concerned.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the dates of the most recent medical examinations of all prisoners taking part in the "no washing" campaign.
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§ Mr. ConcannonThe medical authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation in the two H blocks where the protest is taking place. There are daily sick parades at the prison, and any prisoner who reports sick is seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Information is not readily available, however, as to the precise dates of the last individual medical examination of all the prisoners concerned.