Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2008. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 30 June 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisons: Telephones

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make it his policy to harmonise the cost of telephone calls made from within prisons with comparable tariffs outside prison.

Answer: There are currently no plans to harmonise the cost of calls from prison with tariffs in the community. The prison pinphone system is a specific product to ensure safe and secure use of telephones by prisoners. Prices are not currently linked to public rates. The current contract is in place until 2011 and a re-tendering project will commence this year. However, we are implementing reductions for some international calls following negotiation with the provider.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 478 c684W;478 c686W; 214411
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Prisons: Telephones
Monday, 7 July 2008
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Prisons Telephones
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk