§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners rioted at Blakenhurst prison, Birmingham, on or around 24 February: why it was necessary to call in the Prison Officers Association to rescue the situation; and how many other riots or disturbances have occurred at privately run prisons.
§ Mr. Peter LloydResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 30 March 1994:
HM PRISON BLAKENHURST
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the incident at Blakenhurst prison on 24 February.
A total of 111 prisoners was in the particular houseblock where the incident occurred, but not all were actively involved in the subsequent events.
No member of the Prison Officers Association was called or required to attend the incident, other than any Blakenhurst staff who may be members of the Association. Sixty-one prisoners were transferred temporarily to other prisons establishments. This is normal practice in such an event and Blakenhurst, as an integral part of the Prison Service, has received prisoners from other establishments when they have experienced difficulties.
You also requested information on disturbances at the contracted out prisons. Details of incidents, including acts of concerted indiscipline, at Wolds between the opening of the prison and 29 June 1993 have already been provided to Parliament (Official Report: 26 July 1993, column WA 75–79). Since that time there have been three instances of concerted indiscipline, making a total of 28 incidents in all. There have been a total of seven acts of concerted indiscipline at Blakenhurst since its opening.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Prison Service is to withhold any part of the payment to United Kingdom Detention Services Ltd. in respect of the contract to manage Blakenhurst prison; how much money is to be withheld; and for what reason.
§ Mr. Peter LloydResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 30 March 1994:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about Blakenhurst prison.
It is intended to take an appropriate financial remedy under the terms of the contract in relation to the incident on 24 February. The amount has not yet been finally settled.