HOME Secretary David Blunkett is to face questions over the number of prisoners who have absconded from open jails, including Hollesley Bay. The Prison Service was forced to defend its record after new figures showed more than 4,000 inmates went on the run in five years.

HOME Secretary David Blunkett is to face questions over the number of prisoners who have absconded from open jails, including Hollesley Bay.

The Prison Service was forced to defend its record after new figures showed more than 4,000 inmates went on the run in five years.

Last year about 900 prisoners held in open jails absconded - and 481 who had fled since 1998 still have not been caught.

Among the absconders over the past five years were 81 inmates who have walked out of Hollesley Bay, where disgraced peer Lord Archer is being held.

Shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin said: "We shall be demanding a full statement from the Home Secretary."

A Prison Service spokeswoman said up to June 17 only one inmate who had absconded from Hollesley Bay remained uncaptured.