§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons have received from social security funds the cost, in whole or in part, of travel expenses to visit members of their family in prison in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what has been the total cost to public funds of this.
§ Mr. OrmeI regret that the information is not available in the form requested. In the financial year 1975–76, the Supplementary Benefits Commission, as agents for the Home Office, paid out about £226,000 on travel and subsistence to people visiting prisoners. Information about the number of individuals receiving payments could not be obtained without disproportionate effort and expense.