House of Commons Hansard Debates for 10 Dec 1992

Written Answers to Questions

Thursday 10 December 1992

HOME DEPARTMENT

Prison Officers' Quarters

Mr. Cox : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what fund the sums received from the selling of prison officers' quarters have been placed ; and if he will make a statement as to the use made of these sums.

Mr. Peter Lloyd : Receipts from the sale of prison officers' quarters are taken as appropriations in aid to defray the costs of the prison service. Any sums in excess of those authorised to be used in that way are paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Terrorism

Mr. Conway : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will review the advice and financial assistance given in respect of public buildings damaged by terrorist action on mainland Britain following the IRA bombing of Shrewsbury castle.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke : Advice on the protective security of buildings is available from chief officers of police. In Great Britain, where insurance cover is available in respect of criminal damage to property, including damage caused by acts of terrorism, the Government do not provide any financial assistance.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner

Mr. Gordon Prentice : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what selection criteria are used in determining the appointment of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

Mr. Charles Wardle : When considering the suitability of senior police officers for the appointment, my right hon. and learned Friend had regard to the operational and managerial experience needed for leading the Metropolitan police service.

Immigration Detention Centres

Ms. Ruddock : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) suicides and (b) attempted suicides have occured at Harmondsworth immigration detention centre in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Charles Wardle : One suicide has occurred in Harmondsworth detention centre over this period. It occurred in 1990.

Records of incidents of self-injury by detainees which might amount to attempted suicide have been maintained only since 1986. The number of such incidents is as follows :

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