§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will now give permission for an all-party delegation of Members to visit the H blocks in the Maze prison.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe hon. Members for Isle of Ely (Mr. Freud), Petersfield (Mr. Mates) and Kingston upon Hull, Central (Mr. McNamara) visited Maze prison, including two of the H blocks—one housing conforming prisoners and one occupied by protesters—on 18 January.
At Maze, as in all prisons, there are overriding issues of security and control which limit the extent to which the Governor and his staff can deal with visits if these are to be sufficiently comprehensive to be of real value to those making them. As regards Maze in particular, I have to guard against the risk that visits may be used for propaganda purposes. I am, however, anxious to ensure that public discussion about the situation at Maze is based upon a better understanding of the facts. I have therefore decided to resume the former arrangements for groups of MPs to make general interest visits to the Maze prison once a year, and these visits can now be arranged through the normal channels. If I receive requests for further all-party visits I hope that 563W these can also be arranged, and I shall be keeping under review whether there is scope for visits on a wider basis.