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Written question asked by Seamus Mallon (Social Democratic & Labour Party), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 1996. It was answered by John Wheeler (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 November 1996 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Northern Ireland Office;Northern Ireland Prison Service

Question
What financial assistance is available for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives in respect of (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, (iii) subsistence and (iv) other costs; and if he will give the rates for that assistance where the prison is situated in (a) Scotland and (b) England or Wales. - Text of letter from Alan Shannon of Northern Ireland Prison Service and includes figures.
Answer

Mr. Mallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance is available for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives in respect of (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, (iii) subsistence and (iv) other costs; and if he will give the rates for that assistance where the prison is situated in (a) Scotland and (b) England or Wales. [1777] Sir John Wheeler: Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Northern Ireland Prison Service under its chief executive, Mr. Alan Shannon. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Alan Shannon to Mr. Seamus Mallon, dated 6 November 1996: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to the Parliamentary Question which you tabled about the availability of financial assistance for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives, where the prison is situated in Scotland or England and Wales. Close relatives of prisoners, who qualify for assistance under Social Security regulations, receive the return fare to the prison by the cheapest route for 2 visits every 4 weeks. Payments are made on behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service by the Social Security Agency through the claimant's local Social Security Office by means of a giro cheque and travel warrant. Travel is normally by bus, train and ferry; in exceptional circumstances the cost of travel by taxi or air may be met. In addition to meet the cost of travel, where overnight accommodation and main meals are necessary, the following rates apply: Bed and breakfast accommodation £15.00 per night (adult rate) £10.00 per night (child rate) Accommodation only £12.40 per night (adult rate) £7.40 per night (child rate) Main meals £2.60 per meal (adult and child rate) I hope this is helpful.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1777; 284 c565-6W
Session
1996-97
Subjects
Costs Dependants Families Northern Ireland Prisoners Prisons Social security benefits Travel Visits Subsistence allowances
Contains statistics
Yes