HL Deb 05 March 1996 vol 570 cc13-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether an up-to-date copy of prison rules and standing orders is held on computer, and how these are made available to prisoners.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter to Lord Avebury from the Director of Security and Programmes, the Prison Service, dated 5th March 1996.

Lady Blatch has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about prison rules and standing orders held on computer, and their availability to prisoners.

Current versions of the prison rules and some standing orders are held on computer for printing purposes only. Printed copies of the current prison rules and standing orders are placed in prison libraries for the use of prisoners. Copies of prison rules are made available to prisoners on request. Prisoners may also purchase copies of standing orders.