Wormwood Scrubs Prison (Hansard, 21 June 2000)

§ Mr. Straw

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons' report of his unannounced inspection is being published today. Copies have been made available in the Library and the Vote Office.

I made a statement to the House on 28 June 1999, Official Report, columns 21–33, on the report of an unannounced full inspection of Wormwood Scrubs prison that had taken place in March 1999. That report made deeply disturbing reading. Sir David's inspection had taken place against the background of criminal investigations into allegations that a number of members of staff at Wormwood Scrubs had assaulted prisoners. Sir David and his team of inspectors had found the overall treatment of prisoners was profoundly unsatisfactory.

In my statement last year, I said that I had made it absolutely clear to the Director General of the Prison Service that change must be delivered at Wormwood Scrubs. I expected a robust action plan to be put in place quickly, and I expected the majority of Sir David's recommendations to be accepted and implemented. I reported that I had asked Sir David Ramsbotham to carry out a further inspection in six months' time and that I would report the result to the House.

The Chief Inspector returned to Wormwood Scrubs between 7 and 17 February this year, and his report of that inspection is published today. He found Wormwood Scrubs much improved from his previous visit. Change had taken place, and life for prisoners had improved. Prisoners felt safer, and their relationships with staff were better. Health care was radically improved, education had been expanded and, together with employment, could attract most prisoners into purposeful activity.

The extent of the changes required, including substantial cultural change, inevitably takes time. Nevertheless, the chief inspector found that a promising start had been made and real improvements had already been delivered. The report makes 99 recommendations for further improvement, but encouragingly identifies 12 examples of good practice.

I should like to pay tribute to all those who have contributed to this change. Senior managers at Prison Service headquarters have given the establishment both leadership and support. The Governor and his management 217W team have tackled the problems at Wormwood Scrubs with determination and commitment, and their legitimate authority has been restored. It also gives me great pleasure to commend the staff of Wormwood Scrubs for what has been achieved. This time last year, there were serious concerns as to whether or not the Prison Officers' Association would co-operate fully with what needed to be done. Sir David notes the determination of the vast majority of staff in the prison to see Wormwood Scrubs restored to a place of excellence, known for the high quality of the treatment of and conditions for its prisoners.

Staff at Wormwood Scrubs still face a difficult time. A number of staff are still suspended from duty in connection with the investigations into the allegations of assault. I understand that the first criminal trials are likely to start in the next few weeks, and this will bring further unwelcome attention on everyone connected with the establishment. Nevertheless, today's report shows how much has already been achieved in the face of these sorts of difficulties, and with Sir David Ramsbotham I am optimistic that the programme of improvement will be continued and completed at Wormwood Scrubs. I am still keeping the option of market-testing open, but believe that this report shows the kind of rapid progress I had hoped for.