§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the guidelines issued to prison governors on what provision should be made for prisoners who are physically disabled. [18321]
§ Miss WiddecombeResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Elfyn Llwyd, dated 5 March 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question asking if he will place in the Library of the House the guidelines to prison governors on what provision should be made for prisoners who are physically disabled.
Relevant guidance is contained in Prison Standing Orders 1A 46–47 and 7F 6–7 and 15, copies of which are held in the Library of the House. In addition, all prison governors received in March 1995 a copy of research report "The Deaf in Prison" by a former prison officer which was a helpful exposition of the problems and needs of deaf prisoners. Copies of which have been placed in the Library.
196WArrangements for the management of prisoners with physical disabilities are currently under review in consultation with organisations representing those with hearing, sight and other physical disabilities. We expect to issue revised guidance during 1996–97.