probe into a drug search of some of its members be released.

Mr. Russell Richardson, chairman of the 134-member association, said the longer the report by Personnel Services was kept under wraps, the longer morale among prison officers would remain low.

"I wish they'd hurry up and get this thing resolved, so we could get this department back on course,'' Mr. Richardson told The Royal Gazette on Thursday.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services received a copy of the report a week ago, and Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness has had it since he returned to the Island earlier this week, Mr. Richardson said.

Yesterday, Mr. Edness said he had given instructions that the report be released to the prison officers immediately.

"I've received it, and I've studied it cursorily,'' he said. "I will be commenting publicly on it in due course.'' He would be taking it up with Cabinet, but "I think it would be advantageous for me to send it to (the association) and let them study it.'' Mr. Richardson said he had still not received a copy yesterday. "Our members and the executive committee are getting impatient with the delaying tactics, he said.'' Prison officers reacted with anger after about ten of their colleagues were lined up at the Ferry Reach Prison Farm on February 4 and subjected to a drug search with sniffer dogs. No drugs were found.

A week later, Mr. Richardson led 120 members and supporters in a march on Parliament. They presented Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan with a petition demanding action.

"Our Constitutional rights were breached,'' Mr. Richardson said.

The Premier then ordered a wide-ranging inquiry.

The Hon. Quinton Edness.