§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that at Parkhurst prison, a top security establishment, prisoners are allowed to use and have in their possession Stanley knives, how many other prisons permit this; and whether, in view of the danger that can occur to the prison staff and other occupants, as shown by the incident in January 1983 at Parkhurst prison, he will take steps to stop this practice forthwith.
§ Mr. MellorSubject to the discretion of local management, each prisoner at a dispersal prison is permitted to possess a small knife for hobby use, such knives being held by staff and issued on request. At other establishments in England and Wales similar arrangements apply. At present there are no plans to withdraw this privilege, but the matter is being reviewed in the light of the incident at Parkhurst.