HC Deb 18 January 1995 vol 252 cc551-2W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances hacksaws or similar articles have been made available to some prisoners at Her Majesty's prison at the Maze in the last year; and if he will make a statement.

Sir John Wheeler

Prisoners at Her Majesty's prison Maze, in common with other prisons in Northern Ireland, have access to a range of approved handicraft materials and tools. These are issued on the basis of the risk they would pose to the security of the prison and the safety of staff. Prison officers carry out regular checks to ensure that all tools are accounted for. No hacksaws are issued.