Written question asked by Mike O'Brien (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 March 1996. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 March 1996 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: On how many occasions prisoners have been disciplined in Her Majesty's prisons in each of the last five years as a result of complaints about letters or telephone calls by prisoners making threats to witnesses in their case. - Text of letter from Brian Landers of Prison Service Agency. Disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions prisoners have been disciplined in Her Majesty's prisons in each of the last five years as a result of complaints about letters or telephone calls by prisoners making threats to witnesses in their case.[20727] Miss Widdecombe: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Brian Landers to Mr. Mike O'Brien, dated 19 March 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about prisoners who have been disciplined in the last five years as a result of complaints of threats to witnesses in their case. Unfortunately this information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information