§ Mr. Matesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take concerning those prisoners who were charged with prison disciplinary offences following the disturbances at Her Majesty's prison, Albany, last May in the light of the recent Divisional Court judgment in the case of R. v. Board of Visitors, Her Majesty's prison, Albany, ex parte Tarrant.
§ Mr. BrittanI am determined that every effort should be made to ensure that those responsible for the disturbance at Albany face the legal consequences of their actions. I 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 8 November. I have accordingly decided to set aside all the disciplinary awards made by the board in respect of offences committed during the disturbance, and I am inviting the chief constable of Hampshire to investigate any criminal offences which may have been committed during the disturbance which took place at Albany on 19 to 25 May.