asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the concern of the Dorchester branch of the Prison Officers' Association at the recent death of a warder at Portland Borstal Institution after an attack by inmates; and what action he proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to protect prison officers from attacks such as took place at Portland.

My right hon. and learned Friend and I share the concern and deep regret felt by the entire Prison Service at the tragic incident on 24th November in which an officer of Portland borstal lost his life. An inmate has been charged with murder. My right hon. and learned Friend will consider urgently, in the light of investigations which have been made and of the evidence at the trial, whether any fresh precautions to prevent attacks on officers are practicable and desirable.