§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many strip searches were made of female prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh, in February; if he will give the number of persons involved and the number of times each person was searched; whether any prison contraband, smuggled item or illegal correspondence was discovered in any search, indicating which items; in how many cases prisoners refused to be searched and had to be restrained while the search was being conducted; and if he will indicate the reasons for the search, namely, making an appearance at Armagh courthouse on remand, attending trial, inter-prison visit or other reasons.
§ Mr. ScottDuring February 1986, a total of 29 searches were carried out on 18 prisoners; eight prisoners were searched once, nine were searched twice, and one prisoner was searched on three occasions. No prohibited article was found during these searches and no prisoner refused to be searched. Searches were carried out in the following circumstances:
Number of searches First admission or remand or whilst awaiting trial 3 First admission on sentence or on final discharge 21 Attending Armagh Remand Court Nil Attending other remand courts 2 Bail Court appearances 1 Appeal Court appearances 1 Visits to outside hospital 1 Total 29