HC Deb 15 November 1979 vol 973 cc713-4W
36. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners needed medical treatment and how many were dispersed to other prisons after the events at Wormwood Scrubs on the night of 31 August; and what action he proposes to take in the light of the events.

Mr. Whitelaw

Prison medical records show that 24 inmates needed treatment as a result of injuries incurred during the act of concerted indiscipline in D wing of Wormwood Scrubs prison on 31 August. A total of 33 inmates have been transferred from the wing to other prisons as a result of the incident. I have asked the regional director of the South-East region of the prison department to produce for me a comprehensive report on the events leading up to the incident. When I have received and considered the report, I shall report to the House.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if official visits to D wing at Wormwood Scrubs are still prohibited; and, if so, why.

Mr. Whitelaw

No.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that the regional director for the South-East region of the prison department, Mr. Keith Gibson, congratulated the minimum use of force tactical intervention squad on its handling of the disturbance at Wormwood Scrubs, he will appoint someone else to lead the internal inquiry into the disturbance.

Mr. Whitelaw

No. Mr. Gibson has offered no personal congratulations of this kind.