HL Deb 27 March 2001 vol 624 cc23-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the Director General of the Prison Service to issue an instruction to prison governors to consult visiting ministers of non-Christian faiths about the design and suitability of rooms designed or constructed as multi-faith accommodation; and whether they will ensure that such accommodation is carpeted. [HL1242]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)

In my Answer to a Question from the noble Lord on 7 March (WA30) on the provision of multi-faith accommodation in prisons, I said that the Prison Service would be discussing with members of the Advisory Group on Religion in Prisons, at their next meeting, the issue of guidelines for prisons on the requirements and use of such rooms. Issues such as the need to consult locally with the relevant ministers and the carpeting of such rooms will form a part of this consideration.

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they propose to consult the Advisory Group on Religion in Prisons on the latest draft standard on religion; and, in particular, whether they will seek agreement on a requirement that the chapel be made available to the non-Christian faiths where no suitable alternative is available. [HL1243]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Prison Service standard on religion is due to be issued in early April. Members of the Advisory Group on Religion in Prisons were consulted on the draft standard in September 1999 and will be sent a copy of the published standard. The standard reflects long established Prison Service policy as set out in the Directory and Guide on Religious Practices in Her Majesty's Prison Service (page 116), which is in the Library. This advises that, where there is no space available which can be considered reasonably adequate in terms of decency and the dignity of a religious community at prayer, chaplains may, as a temporary measure, and after consulting with the bishops and Methodist Chairman, give their consent for the chapel to be used for worship by non-Christian groups.