HL Deb 19 December 1988 vol 502 cc1243-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will issue a circular instruction to prisons in England and Wales, providing that audio tapes may be supplied for the personal use of prisoners, on loan or otherwise, by clubs, libraries and visiting ministers of religion.

Earl Ferrers

Prison Standing Order 4, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, deals with the possession by prisoners of cassette players and audio tapes. Audio tapes may also be held in prison libraries, education departments and by the Chaplain. The loan of such tapes to individual prisoners is a matter for the Governor to decide. No further guidance is considered necessary at present.