HC Deb 24 February 1981 vol 999 cc313-4W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to prison governors about the withholding of books and publications from prisoners.

Mr. Mayhew

A governor has authority to withhold a book or publication if in his opinion its content could pose a threat to the maintenance of good order or discipline of his establishment.

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the governor of Wandsworth prison has prevented prisoners from reading the November/ December issue of "Rights", the newspaper of the National Council for Civil Liberties.

Mr. Mayhew

The governor considered that the publication could present a threat to good order or discipline in his establishment.

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many prisons the November/ December edition of the newspaper of the National Council for Civil Liberties, entitled "Rights" and dealing with prisons, has been withheld.

Mr. Mayhew

The information requested is not readily available and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.