§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to change the manner of response to parliamentary questions concerning the Northern Ireland Prison Service. [5244]
§ Marjorie MowlamIn view of the special sensitivity of prisons matters, I have decided that all questions about the Northern Ireland Prison Service will be answered by a Northern Ireland Minister and not by the Chief Executive of the Service. This is no reflection on the Chief Executive nor does it have any implication for the Northern Ireland Prison Service as an agency. However, it recognises particular concerns that Ministers should answer personally on matters relating to imprisonment.