§ Lord Rentonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they propose to take concerning those prisoners who were charged with prison disciplinary offences following the disturbances at HM Prison, Albany last May in the light of the recent Divisional Court judgment in Tarrant's case.
§ Lord EltonWe are determined that every effort should be made to ensure that those responsible for the disturbance at Albany face the legal consequences of their actions. We do not, however, think that it would be right to expect the Board of Visitors to proceed with the highly complex issues raised by the outstanding charges of mutiny considered in the light of the judgment in the Divisional Court on 8th November. My right honourable and learned friend has accordingly decided to set aside the disciplinary awards made by the board in respect of offences committed during the disturbance, and he is asking the Chief Constable of Hampshire to investigate any criminal offences which may have been committed during the disturbance which took place at Albany on 19th–25th May.