Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Home Secretary whether the Prison Commissioners have recently reconsidered the revision of the prison regulations with regard to the prohibition of conversation amongst 1409W prisoners; and whether steps can now be taken to allow certain opportunities of conversation at stated times to prisoners who have undergone a certain period of confinement, and an increase of such opportunities as an encouragement to good conduct?
§ Sir G. CAVEQuestions put by the hon. Member on this subject were fully answered on the 18th and 20th June of last year. I have nothing to add to these replies, except that it has been possible to allow some further relaxation in the matter of conversation during exercise to those prisoners who are allowed special privileges under Rule 243A.
Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the 1410W number of prisoners who belong to no religious denomination, or are only nominally members of any Church, some provision can be made for their moral and general welfare by allowing them to receive visits, in the place of or in addition to those of the prison chaplains, from other visitors whose names have been approved by the Commissioners?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe rules provide that a prisoner belonging to any denomination other than the Church of England may receive special visits from ministers of his own persuasion. There is great difficulty in extending this rule to the case of a person who rejects the spiritual guidance of the ministers of all denominations, but I will consult the Prison Commissioners on the matter.