§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Prison Officers Association on the "dirty" protests now taking place in prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe local branch of the Prison Officers Association at Wormwood scrubs raised this matter with my right hon. and learned Friend when he visited the prison on 9 January. We sympathise with staff who have to deal with this extremely unpleasant behaviour, and are considering what the Department could most usefully do the help them.
§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of "dirty" protests now taking place in prisons in England and Wales; and if he will list the prisons and the number of inmates involved; and what is the length of time these protests have been taking place.
§ Mr. HurdOn 8 February there was one "dirty" protest taking place, at Her Majesty's Prison Wormwood scrubs. Two prisoners were involved. They began their action on 8 January.