§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are presently detained in each special secure unit stating(a) the nature of the crimes for which they were convicted and (b) their security category status. [13089]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 6 November 1997]: There are seven prisoners, all Category A Exceptional Escape Risk prisoners, held in Whitemoor Special Secure Unit. Two were convicted of importation of drugs; two of customs evasion; and the remaining three prisoners of murder, conspiracy to murder and armed robbery, respectively. Full Sutton Special Secure Unit is temporarily closed and the accommodation which formed the Unit at Belmarsh now only holds Category A High Escape Risk prisoners and is not run as a Special Secure Unit.