asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his representations to the British authorities regarding the condition of a person (details supplied) in particular, regarding the strip-searching of this woman prisoner and the requirement that the light be left on throughout the night; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Condition of Prisoner.
60.
I understand that the British authorities regard strip-searching as indispensable for prison security. I am informed by the British authorities that the person in question is strip-searched before and after a fortnightly remand hearing and before and after a weekly social visit, and that the searches are carried out by officers of the same gender in as humane a manner as possible. I am also informed that a dim red or orange light is left on in a category A prisoner's cell to enable staff to check on the prisoner regularly through the night without opening the cell door.
My general concern in relation to strip-searching is that if it must be resorted to for security reasons, it should be practised as sparingly as possible and in a manner which ensures that the dignity of the human person is fully respected.