HC Deb 28 April 1980 vol 983 cc357-8W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the disturbance at Pucklechurch, giving the number of prisoners involved, the stated reasons for the disturbance and the number of prisoners and prison officers that were injured; whether the minimum use of force tactical intervention squad was used; and what disciplinary or other action is being taken.

Mr. Brittan

During the evening of 31 March nine inmates in C Wing of Pucklechurch remand centre created a disturbance by shouting, destroying furnishings and fittings and throwing lighted materials from windows: a number also barricaded their cells. After about an hour the inmates removed the barricades and all were located in the segregation unit by a group of 11 staff and the deputy governor. No MUFTI team was deployed. One inmate had cut his hand breaking a window and one officer suffered a strained neck. The inmates gave no reason for their action at the time, but have subsequently said that it was in protest at a lack of association. All the inmates have been charged by the police with offences of criminal damage, and two additionally with offences of assault.