Reports into 'prisoner transfers'

An investigation has been carried out into claims that prisoners were moved between the UK's largest jail, Wandsworth, and Pentonville, both in London, ahead of inspections by the Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said it was "neither policy nor acceptable practice temporarily to move prisoners during inspections".

Phil Wheatley, director general of the National Offender Management Service, commissioned a formal investigation into information brought by the Chief Inspector, Dame Anne Owers, "concerning the temporary transfer of prisoners in anticipation of ... inspections of two prisons".

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Stephen Shaw, also drew attention to the alleged transfers.

Mr Straw said: "The Chief Inspector will make her own judgments in her inspection reports on the prisons, due for release on Tuesday October 20 at 0001, but it is neither policy nor acceptable practice temporarily to move prisoners during inspections."

The investigation, which has been concluded, looked at the circumstances surrounding the temporary transfer of a number of prisoners between the jails immediately before inspections of each prison, together with who proposed and authorised the transfers, and their rationale.

Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "The integrity of the prison service and the independence of our prisons inspectorate are respected worldwide, so any action that could lead to prisoners being used as pawns in a game to undermine these institutions must be thoroughly investigated.

"It will be important to read the Chief Inspector's reports and to hear the Government's response later in the week."

The Observer said the investigation was threatening the careers of senior Prison Service staff. The newspaper said it had learned several high-ranking employees at the prisons may face disciplinary action for their role in alleged attempts to dupe Dame Anne.