Mr. MaimsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evaluation he has made of technology to detect the presence of(a) class A and (b) class B drugs on persons entering prisons. [34467]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Prison Service Security Group, through the Police Scientific Development Branch, are currently evaluating a number of drug detecting systems in laboratory tests and will be implementing field trials within prison establishments shortly. The evaluation will cover the detection of both class A and class B drugs.
§ Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is undertaking to prevent the entry of class A and B drugs to prisons. [34466]
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§ Mr. George HowarthThe Prison Service has in place as part of its drug strategy robust measures aimed at preventing the entry of drugs into prisons. In practical terms, the methods aimed at preventing the entry of drugs are the same for all classes of drugs. All drugs are hard to detect due to the small amounts usually involved, although the additional risks posed by class A drugs are recognised.
Measures include: searching of visitors and of prisoners following visits; use of closed circuit television in visits areas; and perimeter searching. Many establishments use drug dogs which are an effective means of deterring visitors who may attempt to smuggle drugs. Prisoners found guilty of drug smuggling are liable to be placed on closed visits, while visitors may be arrested and denied future visits if found with drugs.