HC Deb 27 January 1983 vol 35 c481W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will stop the censorship of letters to and from prisoners.

Mr. Mellor

No. The examination and reading of prisoners' correspondence is undertaken to prevent its use to plan escapes or disturbances or otherwise jeopardise the security or good order of establishments; to detect and prevent offences against prison discipline or the criminal law; and to satisfy other ordinary and reasonable requirements of prison administration.