HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 c736W
Mr. Mates

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the present situation of prisons in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Concannon

The protest against the ending of special category status continues amongst a minority of prisoners in Maze and Armagh prisons. The situation is under control and all prisoners are being treated in accordance with prison rules. As I have said on many previous occasions, there will be no going back on the policy of phasing out special treatment for persons convicted and sentenced to imprisonment by the courts, and there will be no amnesty.