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Home Office;Prison Service

Answer

Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to this answer of 26 February, Official Report, column 212, relating to the purchase of a prison ship, what assessment he has made of (a) the safety of its moorings, (b) security arrangements to avoid prisoners fleeing (i) by land and (ii) by sea and (c) problems faced by prisoners suffering ill health exacerbated by being on board ship; and what local representations he has received. [19112] Miss Widdecombe: 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 Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 12 March 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question on the issues of safety, security and health associated with the purchase of a prison ship. As a purpose-built prison barge, the floating prison has no means of propulsion. It will be secured in accordance with the Queen's Harbourmaster's requirements. Before the ship is fully operational, safe systems of work will be ensured, complying with applicable health and safety legislation, and contingency plans will be in place to manage the range of operational and security problems which might confront any prison. To ensure security against attempts by prisoners to escape, all areas to which prisoners have access on the ship are securely barred. The intended immediate dock site is encircled by a security fence as is usual at all category C establishments. Senior Prison Service governors visited New York in December to view the vessel and confirm its suitability as a floating prison. Health care will be provided to prisoners on the floating prison as in any other prisons. The Prison Service's application for planning consent has been considered by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment for a decision. Weymouth Civic Society has voiced concerns, through Ian Bruce MP, on the visual and environmental impact of the floating prison. There have also been concerns expressed by members of the public.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

19112; 292 c212W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Health services Health and safety Prisons Security Shipping Prison accommodation