HC Deb 01 March 1993 vol 220 cc9-10W
Mr. Litherland

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on who decided on an open door policy during the trials at Manchester Crown court of the riot prisoners from Strangeways prison.

Mr. John M. Taylor

The phrase "open door policy" is not recognised, but it is established policy that criminal trials should take place in open court and be freely reported. During the trials in question, the courtroom in use was kept locked outside operational hours, as were all the courtrooms; circulation of court users segregated; and perimeter doors properly secured, when not in use. All fire escape doors were alarmed so as to alert security staff should they be opened.

Mr. Litherland

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the security arrangements for the cells and holding areas at Manchester magistrates court, Crown square.

Mr. John M. Taylor

Security arrangements for magistrates courts are taken into account during the planning of the buildings and in any modifications to those buildings, after consultation with the appropriate authorities. Details of these measures cannot be revealed, as it would not be in the interests of the security of a building to do so.

Mr. Litherland

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which Government Department commissioned the plans for the holding area, the cells and the toilet areas prior to the recent escape of five prisoners from Manchester Crown court; who checked the plans; what assessment was made of their specifications; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

The Government Department responsible for commissioning the plans for those areas was the Department of the Environment—Property Services Agency, north-west region—on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department to standards recommended by the Home Office.

Mr. Litherland

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what evidence he has of a breach of security regarding a blueprint relating to construction details of the Manchester Crown courts; and what action he has taken.

Mr. John M. Taylor

It is believed that a plan, which is currently in the possession of the police, was stolen along with a number of other items during the course of a burglary of one of this Department's offices in 1990. There is nothing to link the theft of this plan and the incident of 17 February 1993 when five defendants escaped from the custody suite of Manchester law courts, but the incident is still the subject of police investigation. Following the burglary, police advice was sought over security measures to protect against burglary and various recommendations were introduced.

Mr. Litherland

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what security measures were included in the refurbishment of Manchester Crown court prior to the recent escape of five prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

There was consultation with the police and prison service during the planning of the refurbishment of Manchester Crown court which was completed in 1990. Additional security measures were introduced, again following consultation with the police and the prison service, in connection with the case in question. Details of these measures cannot be revealed, as it would not be in the interests of the security of the building to do so.