§ 6. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary how many prison visitors have been dismissed during the past year; whether in each case the governor and chaplain were consulted before the dismissal; for what period each visitor had given his services; whether reasons were given in each case, before the authority to visit was withdrawn; what opportunity was afforded the visitors to explain the circumstances which led to their dismissal; and whether the letters terminating their appointment conveyed any expression of thanks for their voluntary services to the Department?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe expression dismissal is inappropriate in this connection. Prison visitors are normally invited to serve for periods of 12 months at a time. It is sometimes necessary to curtail the period in an individual case and the invitation to serve is not always renewed. I am satisfied that the visitors are treated with courtesy and consideration commensurate with the high value which is placed upon their services. In these circumstances I do not think the public interest would be served by my attempting to give the details asked for by my Noble Friend.