§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research or other investigation is being undertaken into the causes and prevention of violence by inmates or staff in penal institutions.
§ Mr. Mayhew:Research into violent incidents involving inmates is currently being undertaken by prison psychologists in two separate projects at Birmingham and Holloway prisons: both seek to identify precipitating factors and to assist staff in evolving preventive measures. In category 'B' dispersal prisons there is routine monitoring of selected aspects of institutional life to anticipate breakdown in control. Governors have standing responsibility to investigate incidents involving violence by inmates or staff as and when they occur.