HC Deb 24 October 1983 vol 47 cc20-1W
Mr. Brinton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any proposals with regard to the system of discipline in prisons.

Mr. Brittan

I propose to establish a departmental committee to look at the system of adjudications in prison. The committee's terms of reference will beTo consider the disciplinary offences applying to prisoners, and the arrangements for their investigation, adjudication and punishment, having regard in particular to:

  1. (i) the need within custodial institutions for a disciplinary system which is swift, fair and conclusive;
  2. (ii) the extent to which it is appropriate to use the ordinary criminal law, courts and procedure to deal with serious misconduct by prisoners;
  3. (iii) the connection with the investigation of related allegations by prisoners about their treatment;
    4. 21
  4. (iv) the pressure on prison and other criminal justice resources:
and to make recommendations.

The membership of the committee will be announced in due course.