HC Deb 28 April 1980 vol 983 cc363-4W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in the relaxation of censorship in prison, and indicate how he intends to extend it.

Mr. Brittan

Three aspects of censorship have been examined restrictions on the content of letters; restrictions as to those with whom a prisoner may correspond; and the removal of restrictions in establishments where security and order are not at serious risk. Censorship in open prisons has been reduced to a minimal level but the Prison Officers' Association has not been able to agree to a proposal to extend these arrangements, on an experimental basis, to four category C prisons; discussions on this are continuing.