Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Mr John Spellar (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Warley, Labour)
I understand the points that are being made, but I wish to pose another hypothetical scenario. A prisoner with the separated status of a paramilitary member who believed that we had become aware of their activities to disrupt the prison, despite not being guilty of any misdemeanour that would have rendered them liable to disciplinary action, might seek to revert to integrated status in order to avoid the provisions that hon. Members are suggesting would apply only to those subject to separated status. We recognise many of the difficulties that have been outlined, which is why we envisage that the power will be used sparingly. At the same time, however, we need to keep a range of options for people who will try to exploit every possible loophole and difficulty.
The relocation of a prisoner outside Northern Ireland may be the most appropriate action to take in circumstances in which an individual cannot be accommodated in integrated or separated accommodation. The basic aim is to recognise the difficulties of having separated groups, although there are reasons for having them. We need new powers, including this proposed compulsory transfer power, if we are to prevent slippage towards full Maze-style segregation.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 12, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 13 to 15 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Schedule 3 agreed to.
Clauses 16 and 17 ordered to stand part of the Bill.