Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Drug Smuggling into Prisons

Tuesday 9 November 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steps being taken to reduce drug smuggling into prisons saw a 6% decrease in drug incidents from March 2020 to March 2021.
  • Since 2019, 100 million has been invested in prison security, including the installation of 74 X-ray body scanners.
  • Prisons (Substance Testing) Act 2021 gives officers powers to test prisoners, and fixed portable mobile phone blocking equipment is installed at 35 high-priority sites.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Davies Con
Justice & Courts
Context

The number of incidents involving drugs found in prisons decreased by 6% to 20,295 in the year to March 2021.

Question

What steps are being taken to reduce drug smuggling into prisons?

Answer from Dominic Raab

In the 12 months to March 2021, the number of incidents involving drugs found in prisons decreased by 6% to 20,295.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to reduce drug smuggling were not detailed beyond statistical information.

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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The question follows investment in prison security since 2019, including installation of X-ray body scanners.

Question

What steps have been taken to ensure state-of-the-art X-ray body scanners are installed throughout the male prison estate and technology is used for rehabilitation?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Since 2019, £100 million invested in prison security; 74 X-ray body scanners installed leading to more than 10,000 positive scans. Equipment stops smuggling attempts involving drugs, weapons, and mobile phones.

Answered
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Q3 James Davies Con
Justice & Courts
Context

Prison staff have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep prisoners safe and prevent drug smuggling.

Question

What support is provided for prison staff to prevent drug smuggling?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Investment in scanners, Prisons (Substance Testing) Act 2021 giving officers powers to test prisoners, enhanced gate security at 35 high-priority sites, and fixed portable mobile phone blocking equipment.

Answered
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Q4 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Justice & Courts Employment
Context

134 band 3 officers left HMP Berwyn, with each officer's training costing £13,000 (£1.74 million total), highlighting the strain from drugs in prisons.

Question

Does implementing pay review body recommendations help solve prison staffing issues?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Accepted independent pay review body's recommendations, important for keeping prisons safe and addressing staff pressure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or figures regarding pay increases were not detailed.

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

Items have been smuggled into prisons via drones.

Question

What measures are taken to prevent the use of drones for smuggling items into prisons?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Introducing improved cell windows, netting and other physical upgrades at Glen Parva prison and across the estate to counter drone threat.

Answered
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