Written question asked by Oliver Letwin (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Thursday, 1 March 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will re-classify grandchildren as family members for the purposes of the regulations governing visits to prisoners.

Answer: Mr. Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will re-classify grandchildren as family members for the purposes of the regulations governing visits to prisoners. [151442] Mr. Boateng: Prison Service guidance on visits does not define the term "family member", although it lists family members who should be regarded as "close relatives", whose visits to a prisoner should be refused only in exceptional circumstances. The position of grandchildren and grandparents, who do not currently fall within this definition, is being considered as part of the Prison Service's current review of visits policy.

Secondary information