HL Deb 02 July 1997 vol 581 c35WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy regarding the circumstances in which Members of Parliament may visit Her Majesty's prisons and detention centres.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Members of Parliament wishing to visit a Prison Service establishment in England and Wales in an official capacity may do so on request to the governor or controller. A request to visit an immigration detention centre is normally referred to Immigration Service Headquarters in order that Ministers may be routinely advised. The request will normally be granted, subject to any operational or security considerations.