HC Deb 01 May 1996 vol 276 cc519-20W
Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what crimes the four prisoners who escaped from Buckley Hall on 23 April had been sentenced; and what was the length of their sentences. [27289]

Miss Widdecombe

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 Ms Liz Lynne, dated 1 May 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for what crimes the four prisoners, who escaped from Buckley Hall prison on 23 April 1995, had been sentenced; and what was the length of their sentence. The requested information is as follows: (i) robbery, five years; (ii) handling stolen goods, five years; (iii) robbery, seven years; and (iv) burglary, one year and nine months.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost to Greater Manchester police force in(a) staff and (b) use of a police helicopter in capturing the four prisoners who escaped from Buckley Hall prison on 23 April. [27290]

Mr. Maclean

I understand from Greater Manchester police that no additional costs were incurred as the resources utilised in the operation were part of the force's normal deployments and contingencies.