Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigation he has carried out into allegations of abuse at Portland Young Offenders Institution; and if he will make a statement. [117661]
§ Mr. BoatengThe allegations of abuse raised by the Howard League for Penal Reform give no details as to time, date or place of alleged incidents of abuse and do not identify victims, witnesses or alleged assailants. The Director General of the Prison Service has made it clear that he regards the allegations as serious, and he has twice asked the Howard League to provide this information, without which no investigation is possible. No further details have been received.
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons carried out a full inspection of Portland between 24 October and 3 November 1999. He was aware of the allegations before starting his inspection. He has raised a number of serious criticisms which are being addressed, but he did not report any evidence of the abuse of prisoners.