![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/65000/images/_67411_Copy_of_jack_straw.jpg)
The allegations are contained in a report by the prison's Board of Visitors and sent to the Home Office several weeks ago, although the report was only published on Thursday.
Mr Straw says he first learned of the allegations on Monday when the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, discussed them with him.
"It is very disturbing and I take these allegations very seriously," Mr Straw said on BBC Radio's Today programme.
Claims of mistreatment of the prisoners did not become public until Wednesday when the Prison Service ordered an inquiry.
The inquiry was prompted by a firm of London solicitors who handed over a dossier containing statements alleging assaults on 10 prisoners, dating back to October 1996.
The prison was also strongly criticised by Sir David Ramsbotham, the chief inspector of prisons, in his report last year.
Mark Healy, chairman of the Prison Officers Association, said his organisation had no knowledge of the allegations.
"The only comment I can make at this point is that our members will go along with any form of investigation. We will make it clear to our members that they will co-operate," he said.
Report alleges prison brutality
(19 Mar 98 | UK)
Prison probe after abuse allegations
(19 Mar 98 | UK)
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