Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what measures he has taken to prevent further violent incidents at HMP Wormwood Scrubs; and if he will make a statement on the merits of initiating a public inquiry.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken to prevent further violent incidents at HMP Wormwood Scrubs; and if he will make a statement on the merits of initiating a public inquiry. [190235] Paul Goggins: Wormwood Scrubs prison is a much improved prison. Recent management teams at Wormwood Scrubs have worked hard to develop and implement wide reaching reforms that have radically altered its culture. Robust systems are now in place to ensure that all complaints and, in particular, allegations of unprofessional conduct by staff towards prisoners are thoroughly investigated. The most recent visit by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector in November 2003 confirms this progress. The Chief Inspector found `a greatly improved prison, gradually implementing and consolidating fundamental changes'. Most noticeable of all was `the change in attitude and approach of Prison Officers". I am confident that such fundamental changes will prevent a return to the kind of violent incidents witnessed in the 1990s. We are currently considering the request for a public enquiry.

Secondary information