§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, how many prisoners who have been transferred to open prisons have absconded for any period of time ; and how many of these committed further offences whilst being absconders.
§ Mr. Brittan: The following figures are of the numbers of inmates who have absconded from within open establishments, or from supervised outside working parties from such establishments, between 1 January 1976 and 24 May 1980 inclusive :
§ Mr. Brittan: I take it that the hon. Member is referring to the Metropolitan Police. In the period from 1 June 1973 to 31 May 1980, 5,460 officers resigned from the force, excluding transfers to other forces. Of these, 15 were serving in the Special Patrol Group at the time. Officers resigning are not obliged to give reasons, but I understand from the Commissioner that those given cover a wide range of factors, including domestic reasons, ill health and emigration.