§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will instigate an inquiry into damage that occurred to the personal property of prisoners in the aftermath of the disturbances on 20 January at Full Sutton prison with particular reference to damage to(a) personal stereos, (b) clothing and (c) books. [9981]
§ Ms QuinNo. Claims for compensation for prisoners' property damaged during the January disturbance at Full Sutton prison are being dealt with through the normal Prison Service request and complaint procedures. Although the Prison Service does not accept liability for loss of personal property held by prisoners in their cells, it has been agreed in this instance to make ex-gratia payments to prisoners who were innocent victims of the disturbance. Those prisoners who are judged to have been involved in the disturbance will not be liable for compensation.
Prisoners who are not satisfied with the outcome of these procedures may appeal to Prison Service headquarters and, if still not satisfied, to the independent prison ombudsman. In addition, all prisoners retain the normal right of any citizen to seek to recover legitimate losses through the courts.