§ 1. Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures exist which permit inmates of Her Majesty's Prisons to contact their Member of Parliament.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Mark Carlisle)This matter is governed by Section 5(c) of Prison Standing Orders, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Broadly speaking, a prisoner may write to an hon. Member about general matters, about his conviction and sentence, and about prison treatment provided that any complaints about treatment have first been raised through official channels.
§ Mr. MolloyWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that there are grave allegations abroad that these conditions are not being met and that prisoners are being hindered in trying to contact their Members of Parliament? Is he aware that this applies, in particular to one London prison? Will he consider sending an instruction to all prisons to the effect that there should be no interference, within the rules and regulations, with inmates in their wish to contact Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. CarlisleI am aware that prisoners from time to time make complaints of 2096 this kind. The hon. Gentleman drew one such complaint to my attention which I was satisfied on examination had no justification. Certainly the Home Office will look at any other complaints but, as far as we know, in general the rules are carried out.