HC Deb 25 March 1985 vol 76 c33W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it Her Majesty's Government's policy to introduce the use of sniffing machines in Armagh women's prison, instead of strip searching; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

Equipment for detecting explosives is available to the prison service in Northern Ireland, but such equipment as has been produced does not provide a level of security which would obviate the need for other forms of searching.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the monthly breakdown since November 1982 of the number of women held in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh, indicating for each month the number held on remand and the number sentenced and distinguishing between those remanded or sentenced for scheduled and non-scheduled offences.

Mr. Scott

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.