§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why two Irish prisoners, Eddie Butler and Hugh Doherty, have now been in solitary confinement since 28th February 1978; when 204W these prisoners will be taken out of solitary confinement and put back into normal prison routine; and why they are being held in punishment conditions despite the fact that they have not been the subject of any internal prison disciplinary procedure.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesMr. Butler and Mr. Doherty are two of five prisoners who were moved out of the special security wing at Leicester Prison on 28th February while its security is being strengthened. All five prisoners are being held in local prisons where, for the maintenance of good order and discipline, they are being kept apart from other prisoners under the provisions of prison rule 43. I cannot say when they will be returned to their normal location, but it is not likely to be for some months.