§ 17. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prison officers have been killed or wounded in Northern Ireland over the past two years ; and what is being done to afford them greater protection.
§ Mr. AlisonIn the two years ending on 11 June, 12 prison staff, including one woman, were killed in terrorist attacks. During the same period 11 men and three women were wounded.
I am aware of a renewed threat from the Provisional IRA against prison staff ; we have not of course relaxed our guard. However, it would not be in the interest of security to disclose the precise nature of the protection measures which have been implemented, although I can assure 264W the hon. Member that every effort is being made to maintain a high level of security for the staff of the Northern Ireland prison service.