HC Deb 31 July 1981 vol 9 cc649-50W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are special régimes for the special security wings at Leicester and Parkhurst; whether the staff receive training for this work; if so, what it consists of; and if it includes use of force tactical intervention squad training.

Mr. Mayhew

Within the limits of space available and other special circumstances, the aim is to provide association and privileges which are broadly comparable with the arrangements in dispersal prisons. Staff are drawn from the staff of the main prison and serve fairly short tours of duty in the wings. They receive only familiarisation training. In common with all prison officers, staff are instructed in the minimum use of tactical intervention.

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average cost per prisoner per week in the special security wings at Leicester and Parkhurst in 1980; what were the staffing levels; and what are the criteria for placing a prisoner in these units.

Mr. Mayhew

Information about the average weekly cost of keeping prisoners in special security wings during 1980 is not available. Twelve staff are in the wing when the prisoners are unlocked at. Parkhurst and 10 at Leicester. The special security wings are for category A prisoners who cannot be held securely on normal association in a dispersal prison.