HC Deb 12 March 1990 vol 169 c16W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of his Department in ensuring that all prison officers are fully trained to deal with an emergency within the prison in which they are working.

Mr. Mellor

The policy is that all prison officers should be made aware of what is expected of them in an emergency and be trained in the necessary skills. All new prison officers are required to attend a nine-week residential course and a range of in-service training is provided. During the past year the service has been engaged in a substantial programme to train staff in methods of dealing with major incidents of violent concerted indiscipline.