HC Deb 25 October 1956 vol 558 cc799-800
5. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the misunderstanding that still exists on the subject, he will now give instructions that letters sent by prisoners to Members of Parliament are not to be censored.

Major Lloyd-George

No, Sir. As regards prison treatment, prisoners are permitted to write to Members of Parliament only if they have previously and unsuccessfully sought redress through one of the other channels appointed for consideration of complaints. Without censorship, it would be impossible to determine whether a letter contained matter in contravention of this rule or other objectionable matter.

Mr. Collins

But is the Home Secretary aware that this censorship serves not, as he told me, to protect M.P.s from abusive or threatening letters, but for the suppression of letters complaining of prison conditions ; that this is grossly unfair and, in fact, an aspersion on the honour and competence of every non. Member of this House? Therefore, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not go into this question and alter the practice?

Major Lloyd-George

I did not suggest that the main purpose of this practice was to prevent prisoners writing to hon. Members of this House. There are many reasons for it, such as objectionable matter, how to commit crimes and other things. [Laughter.] No, it is not only the censorship of letters to M.P.s ; all letters have to be censored for these obvious reasons, and the existing system by which prisoners can complain is perfectly satisfactory. It is impossible to abolish the censorship of letters, because all kinds of complaints could be made which can be ventilated in the ordinary way.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

But is the Home Secretary aware that this practice is capable of the gravest abuse, and could he not tell the House that he will consider this action in the light of discussions with the prison authorities?

Major Lloyd-George

No, Sir, I could not possibly give that undertaking. I have gone into this matter very carefully, and I am satisfied that the existing system meets all the requirements of the present day.