HC Deb 16 June 1989 vol 154 cc563-4W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners escaped from police custody before being sentenced in each police authority in the most recent period for which such figures are available.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The information is not held centrally.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the escape of five prisoners from police custody in Liverpool on the evening of 12 June.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the chief constable of Merseyside police that at about 5.30 pm on 12 June a police bus left the main Bridewell in Liverpool bound for HM prison Hindley with 14 remand prisoners and a police escort on board. Shortly after leasing the Bridewell, a number of the prisoners, who were in individual cells, made a concerted attempt to force off the roof of the vehicle, and four of them managed to escape through a gap in the roof. Two of the prisoners were recaptured immediately, one was caught later the same day, and the other one is still at large. The chief constable is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the escape.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following a further break-out of five prisoners from a police custody van in Liverpool on the evening of 12 June, he will review the regulations for holding and transporting people held in custody; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

I understand that the chief constable of Merseyside is conducting an inquiry into the incident and he will consider whether there are any lessons to be learnt for the future.