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Written question asked by David Anderson (Labour) on Monday, 23 January 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. It was answered by Sam Gyimah (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 February 2017 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisoners' Transfers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether it is her Department's policy to provide information to prisoners and their families in the event of their transfer to another prison; and by what mechanism prisoners and their families can appeal a prison transfer.

Answer

Prison Rules require prisons to actively encourage prisoners to maintain outside contacts and meaningful family ties.

Prisoners also have a statutory entitlement to send and receive letters and are entitled to one free letter to inform someone they are being transferred. They are also given the access to make a telephone call on the day of their arrival to a new prison to inform their family of their new location if they have not been able to do so in advance. It is the prisoners’ responsibility to advise their family if they are transferring to another prison.

The prisoner can make an appeal through the complaints system and is entitled to a reply, which should provide clear reasons for their decision. If they are not satisfied with their response they can write to the Prison Ombudsman. Families can also raise any concerns directly with the Prison.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
61225
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Appeals Prisoners' transfers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk