§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement outlining the complaints procedure within Northern Ireland prisons detailing how complaints arising out of strip searches are processed, with whom the complaint must be lodged; who investigates the complaint; what evidence is taken into consideration; what right of representation the complainant has; and who or what authority decides whether the complaint is upheld and whether action should be taken against a member of staff.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 21 February 1985, c. 541]: Prisoners may make complaints about any matter relating to their treatment in prison to the governor, a member of the board of visitors, an officer of the Prison Department visiting the prison or by petition to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. It is for the governor to instigate an investigation which would normally be conducted by a senior member of management. If this investigation indicates that there has been a breach of discipline by a member of staff, a disciplinary charge would be laid under the code of discipline for prison officers. In more serious cases it would be referred to the Royal Ulster constabulary.
An adjudication of a charge under the code of discipline is conducted by the governor who in certain circumstances must refer the matter to the Northern Ireland Office for determination. All available evidence, including written statements and medical evidence, if appropriate, would be considered at the adjudication. The complainant does not have the right to be represented at the adjudication.