Dr. Mark Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if, on all future occasions where incidents happen such as occurred on 14 February in Her Majesty's prison, Durham, he will make it his policy to inform the constituency Member of details of the incident at the earliest opportunity; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on an incident in Her Majesty's prison, Durham, on 14 February involving a prisoner held on remand threatening a fellow prisoner.
§ Mr. HurdAt approximately 2.20 am on Tuesday 14 February a remand prisoner at Her Majesty's prison, Durham was reportedly taken hostage by his cell-mate who barricaded the cell. The incident ended at 5.25 am without concessions being made or injury being sustained. The police are investigating the incident, and I will write to the hon. Member when I can.
444WI do not think it would be possible for Members to be automatically informed of incidents in prisons, but we welcome the interest of hon. Members and do our best to supply them with information when requested.