§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What discretion governors of prisons have in deciding whether to report serious crimes which take place within prisons in England and Wales.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)When a serious criminal offence appears to have been committed by a prisoner, governors are required to consult the regional director or headquarters, but if consultation is not practicable they may immediately refer the matter to the police.