§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made on the reports of the disorder at Everthorpe prison; and if his conclusions have changed his policy in respect of illegal drugs in prisons. [17351]
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 30 March 1995]: Responsibility 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.
888WLetter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 3 April 1995:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about Everthorpe prison.A task force has been established to consider and progress the recommendations of the report on the disorder at Everthorpe prison. One of these recommendations is the introduction of a coordinated drug reduction policy at Everthorpe. This policy will be introduced this year.There has been no change to the Prison Service's policy on tackling drug misuse in prisons as a result of the disturbances at Everthorpe. A strategy of controlling supply and providing support and treatment is being pursued, underpinned by mandatory drug testing for prisoners.