HC Deb 07 June 1995 vol 261 cc181-2W
Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the procedures the Prison Service must follow in order to provide information to the police when serious offenders under long-term imprisonment escape. [27160]

Mr. Maclean

The information as requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the table shows, in less detail, the number of offenders aged 10 to 16 convicted by type of offence group for the years 1992 and 1993: 1994 data will not be available until the autumn 1995.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

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.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Mike O'Brien, dated 7 June 1995: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about what procedures the Prison Service must follow in order to provide information to the police when serious offenders under long term imprisonment escape. Every prison establishment is required to hold a set of contingency plans to be followed in the event of an incident. All escapes from establishments and from escort are specifically covered in these contingency plans. These plans specify that the police must be informed immediately, normally by telephone., The prison is required to give the police details of the escape and the prisoners involved. Details including a photograph are also sent to the Police Gazette for inclusion in that publication which goes to all police forces.