HC Deb 13 February 1985 vol 73 c196W
Mr. Alex Carlile

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what requests he has received since 1 January 1984 from the governor of Her Majesty's prison, Styal, for an increase in staff; and what was his response to those requests.

Mr. Mellor

The only formal bid received in the period concerned requested approval to recruit a prison auxiliary to escort outside contractors engaged to improve the gymnasium facilities at Styal. The bid is under consideration. The governor has also suggested, as one of several possible courses of action, an increase in night staffing levels. This possibility is being examined.

Mr. Alex Carlile

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have taken place in night staffing and supervision at Her Majesty's prison, Styal, since 1 November 1984.

Mr. Mellor

Night-time staffing levels at Styal have varied from 10 to 13 staff on duty on any one night. Since November 1984 the minimum number of staff on duty on any one night has been raised from 10 to 11.

Mr. Alex Carlile

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what reports his Department has received of night violence and sexual assaults against youth custody prisoners at Her Majesty's prison, Styal; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will appoint a judicial inquiry into the organisation, staffing, and facilities at Her Majesty's prison, Styal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

On the 23 November 1984 immediately before the action described in the reply given to a Question from the hon. Member on 1 February at column332, the governor of Styal prison and youth custody centre reported his concern about bullying and mentioned that there had been 20 incidents of that kind during the previous 12 months. Three of these (in June, July and October) had been sufficiently serious to warrant being reported to the prison department north regional office at the time. A further incident was reported at the end of November, and another in January 1985. In some of these cases a sexual element was suspected though not substantiated.

The situation at Styal is being very closely watched and we are advised that there has been a marked improvement. My right hon. and learned Friend does not propose to set up a judicial inquiry.