Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 February 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 February 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: How many complaints about the behaviour of sniffer dogs have been made by visitors to each of the prisons containing special secure units in each of the last four years; how many of these complaints were upheld; and what action was taken as a result. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt of the Prison Service.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints about the behaviour of sniffer dogs have been made by visitors to each of the prisons containing special secure units in each of the last four years; how many of these complaints were upheld; and what action was taken as a result. [16352] 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 Richard Tilt to Mr. Kevin McNamara, dated 20 February 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of complaints made regarding the behaviour of sniffer dogs, by visitors to prisons containing special secure units. The Prison Service has received two complaints in the last four years. These complaints were fully investigated and no evidence was found to support them, consequently no further action was taken.

Secondary information