§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what reports he has received of physical and mental abuse of persons inside HMP Maghaberry, with particular reference to the(a) excessive use of strip-searching and (b) restricted movement of inmates; and if he will make a statement. [177189]
§ Mr. PearsonI have received representations from the Ulster Political Research Group expressing their concern at the use of full-body searching at Maghaberry prison. Searching of accommodation and prisioners is a vital part of the prison routine and is essential in order to protect the safety of both prisoners and staff. I was able to assure the UPRG representatives that the level of searching that takes place in Maghaberry is the same across the rest of the UK for similar category prisoners.