HC Deb 14 May 1981 vol 4 c310W
Mr. Bill Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up an inquiry into the incident involving high security risk prisoner Mone at Perth prison; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

At 1.35 pm on 11 May Robert Francis Mone, a prisoner serving a life sentence in Perth prison, who is continuously under special surveillance, eluded his escort while working in the prison laundry, and climbed on to its roof. He remained on the roof until 9.35 pm when he was "talked down" by a prison officer. He caused damage to the roof but did not threaten or offer violence to staff. At no time during the incident was there any risk of the prisoner making an escape from the prison. The governor is at present conducting an inquiry into the incident and his findings will be reported to my right hon. Friend.