HC Deb 20 November 1973 vol 864 cc1123-4
Q2. Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Health and Social Services and the Home Office in the provision of financial assistance to those wishing to visit relatives in prison.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. There is detailed and continuing consultation between the Departments as part of a review of the existing financial arrangements.

Mr. Lamont

Is my right hon. Friend aware that financial assistance for visits is not available to the relatives of those who are held on remand in prison and that in many prisons visiting facilities are inadequate? This subject has been under review by the two Departments since 1971. Should it not be speeded up, as it is very important that prisoners should have the incentive to maintain contacts with their families?

The Prime Minister

I agree with the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. My information is that the relatives of prisoners on remand are already eligible for assistance on the same scale as the relatives of convicted prisoners. I will gladly have this point checked further and write to my hon. Friend about it.

On the time taken to deal with the matter of visiting facilities, I should point out that there was one review in 1971, as a result of which action was taken, and a further review in July of this year. The matter has now been further examined.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I am sure that the House of Commons appreciates that strengthening family ties can be one of the crucial ways to persuade a man to go straight. Will the Prime Minister ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services to consider making fares available for families on supplementary benefit not just for one visit every six weeks, which is the normal allowance, but whenever visits are possible, within reasonable limits?

The Prime Minister

I shall see that that is considered in the review. The information that I have is that visits are possible once every four weeks, and also on special occasions, but I shall ensure that the point raised by the hon. Lady is further examined.