Written question asked by Max Madden (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 December 1996. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Monday, 16 December 1996 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: If he will place in the Library a copy of the current prison standing orders which apply to prisons in England and Wales; and which public officials are denied access to prisons for inspection purposes under those standing orders. - Text of letter from Richard Tilt, Director General of the Prison Service.

Answer: Mr. Madden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the current prison standing orders which apply to prisons in England and Wales; and which public officials are denied access to prisons for inspection purposes under those standing orders. [9166] Miss Widdecombe: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Max Madden, dated 16 December 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about whether a copy of prison standing orders will be placed in the library of the House, and which public officials are denied access to prisons for inspection purposes under those standing orders. Copies of the current standing orders have already been placed in the library of the House. There is nothing in those orders which deny access to public officials who duties legitimately necessitate visiting a prison for the purposes of inspection.

Secondary information