§ Mr. Peter RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements are currently in force for the police to be permitted to interview convicted Irish Republican Army prisoners in connection with incidents which have taken place(a) while they are in HM prison and (b) before they become inmates; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of these.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewWhere any convicted prisoner is suspected of involvement. in any criminal offence either in or outside prison, rule 60 of the Prison Rules (NI) 1982 provides that
a police officer may, on production of an order issued by or on behalf of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, interview any prisoner willing to see him.The police and the prison authorities in Northern Ireland are satisfied that these arrangements are adequate.