§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to control the illegal use of drugs by prisoners in Her Majesty's prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdWe are fully aware of the need to counter misuse of drugs by prisoners. If a governor has reason to believe that a visitor intends to smuggle drugs, the police will be informed. Regular searches of prisoners and cells are conducted and where the governor suspects that an individual prisoner is in possession of drugs a special search is carried out. Governors may also call upon the services of dogs specially trained to detect drugs.