§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement into the killing of Mr. Christopher Edwards by Mr. Richard Linford in Chelmsford prison on 28 November 1994; [24688]
(2) what warnings Chelmsford prison received to the effect that Mr. Richard Linford was potentially dangerous; and on what basis he was placed in a cell with another inmate; [24689]
(3) if he will list those prison service procedures which have been reviewed and changed since the killing of Mr. Christopher Edwards in Chelmsford prison; and if he will make a statement. [24690]
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answers 18 May 1995]: Responsibility for these matters 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. Harry Cohen, dated 22 May 1995:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the death of Mr Christopher Edwards in Chelmsford prison on 28 November 1994.The internal investigation conducted by the Prison Service into the circumstances surrounding the death concluded that existing 500W procedures at Chelmsford prison had been followed satisfactorily. There was no evidence on which to recommend changes in procedures.In view of the wider issues raised by the case, the Prison Service is jointly commissioning an independent inquiry with North Essex Health Authority and Essex Social Services. All the matters which you raise will be considered in the light of the findings of this independent inquiry.I will write to you again when the terms of reference have been agreed, with details of members of the inquiry panel.