Written question asked by Helen Jackson (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will accede to the requests of prisoners being held at Belmarsh under anti-terrorism legislation for closer contact with their families. - (Holding answer 27 October 2004).

Answer: Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will accede to the requests of prisoners being held at Belmarsh under anti- terrorism legislation for closer contact with their families. [193179] Paul Goggins: [holding answer 27 October 2004]: Detainees held under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, in common with other persons held at Belmarsh prison, are able to receive regular visits from their families and friends, in addition to being able to contact them by telephone and through correspondence. While any request received for additional contact will always be considered, this has to be in the context of the operational requirements of the prison and prison rules. All those detained under part 4 of the ATCSA 2001 are free to leave the UK at any time.

Secondary information