§ Lord Mayhew of Twysdenasked Her Majesty's Government:
In what circumstances were doors to the chaplain's offices in HM Prison Blantyre House smashed open when found to be locked during a search of the prison in May; and what other damage was done to the premises and movable property caused in that search, specifying the damage. [HL2446]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe search teams were unable to locate the keys to a number of doors including the chaplain's offices, a locked room in the healthcare centre, the farm building and one room in the print shop. Because the effectiveness of the search would be undermined if it were not comprehensive, the governor in charge of the search operation authorised forced entry. Eleven doors and seven frames sustained minor damage to a total value of £500.
§ Lord Mayhew of Twysdenasked Her Majesty's Government:
For how long Mr McLennan-Murray had been governor of HM Prison Blantyre House before his removal in May. [HL2465]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonSince October 1996.
§ Lord Mayhew of Twysdenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the date of the most recent inspection of HM Prison Blantyre House by H M Inspector of Prisons; and when his report was published, or when they expect it to be published. [HL2466]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe last inspection of Blantyre House took place on 21–25 January this year. No publication date for the report has yet been set.
62WAUnder the protocol on the publication of inspection reports, the Prison Service is given the opportunity to check the report in draft for any factual inaccuracies. The Prison Service received the draft report on 24 March and the Director-General wrote to the Chief Inspector on 18 April raising a number of points.
§ Lord Mayhew of Twysdenasked Her Majesty's Government:
During the recent prison search carried out at HM Prison Blantyre House, how many officers from outside the prison were brought in; and how much longer did the search continue after representatives of the board of visitors were told by the Governor, newly installed that day, that the search was complete and that they could leave the prison. [HL2447]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonSixty-two officer grades (prison officers, senior officers and principal officers) from other establishments were involved. These included 28 officers in specialist control and restraint teams who were primarily on hand in case of any indiscipline on the part of prisoners. In the event they were not required for this role and were redeployed to expedite the completion of the search.
The governor did not tell the representatives of the board of visitors the search was complete. At about 01.15 hours, they discussed the progress of the operation with the governor. They noted that it was proceeding smoothly, calmly and with good humour and that there were no signs of disorder. The governor agreed with their assessment. They decided to leave the establishment, having been assured by the governor that he would contact them should there be any change in the situation. The search finished at 04.50 hours.