§ 37. Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 15 January 1998,Official Report, column 285, when he expects to make a decision about the future of in-cell television; and if he will make a statement. [24650]
§ Ms QuinThe case for wider availability of in-cell television has been raised in a number of contexts, including the Learmont report in 1995, the all-party Home Affairs Committee report in March 1997, and reports by Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons. The Government are reconsidering policy in this area and will announce a decision as soon as possible. Any extension of in-cell television would preserve the principles that this privilege should be earnable and similarly liable to be forfeited, and that prisoners should substantially meet the costs involved.