Written question asked by Ivan Lawrence (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 March 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Monday, 17 March 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: How many investigations have been carried out by the Prison Service Agency, since its inception, into allegations of the involvement of prison officers in the supply of drugs in prisons. - Text of letter from AJ Pearson of Prison Service, but no figs given. (holding answer 13 March 1997).

Answer: Sir Ivan Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many investigations have been carried out by the Prison Service Agency, since its inception, into allegations of the involvement of prison officers in the supply of drugs in prisons. [19762] Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 13 March 1997]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from A. J. Pearson to Sir Ivan lawrence, dated 17 March 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about the number of investigations which have been carried out by the Prison Service Agency, since its inception, into allegations of the involvement of prison officers in the supply of drugs in prison. I regret that this information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, any such allegations would be fully investigated and the appropriate action taken, including referral to the police.

Secondary information