Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 January 1992. It was answered by Earl Ferrers (Conservative) on Monday, 27 January 1992.

Untitled Written question

Question: Whether, the reminder to officers who carry out reception interviews at prisons in England & Wales, of the need to inquire sensitively about religious affiliation promised in a letter from Sec of State of 19 Nov 1991, will be issued before 11 Feb, when annual census of religious affiliations is taken; whether will include advice not to prompt an inmate who says he does not know what religion he is or makes no reply; not to ask whether an inmate was baptised, but if inmate volunteers that he was baptised, whether will be advised to ask whether the inmate still considers him or himself as belonging to the denomination in question, & whether they will place a copy of this reminder in the Library.

Secondary information