§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of disciplinary hearings instituted at Cardiff prison following the death of Geoffrey Thomas. [11938]
§ Ms QuinI refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 24 JulyOfficial Report, column 683. It has come to my attention that dates given in my previous answer were incorrect, for which I apologise.
Disciplinary proceedings were instituted against five members of staff at Cardiff prison following the death of Mr. Geoffrey Thomas. Three of the cases have been concluded. Proceedings against two others have been adjourned at the request of the Prison Governors Association.
The first hearing took place on 21 and 22 May, and not 19 May as previously stated. The adjournment of two cases took place on 23 May and not 22 May.
The Prison Governors Association has questioned the impartiality of the governor hearing the case, and not the legality of the actions of the governor investigating the incident, as stated in my previous answer.
Hearings will be reconvened at the earliest available date.