§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the procedures for informing(a) his Department and (b) the public when an escape has taken place from a prison. [26336]
Miss Widdecome[holding answer 24 April 1996]: 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 Richard Tilt to Mr. Doug Hoyle dated 25 April 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking what are the procedures for informing (a) his Department and (b) the public when an escape has taken place from a prison.The procedures for informing Ministers are set in the Prison Service's Framework Document, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The Framework Document specifies that the Home Secretary will receive reports from the Director General on the escape of a category A prisoner. In addition to the stipulation contained in the Framework Document the Home Secretary receives reports on multiple escapes and escapes of notorious prisoners. Prison Service headquarters is informed immediately of any escape.There are no national arrangements for the notification of the general public of an escape from prison.