HL Deb 23 May 1973 vol 342 c1315WA
LORD WELLS-PESTELL

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) Whether free travel warrants for wives to visit husbands in prison are available to all wives;
  2. (b) If not, whether financial assistance is available to those in need;
  3. (c) If so, what is the frequency of such visits by travel warrant; and
  4. (d) Whether they are available during the first three months of a man's sentence.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

Financial assistance for visits to men in prison is available to wives and close relatives in receipt of supplementary benefit and to those in full-time work whose incomes are at a similar level. It is given, by travel warrant if appropriate, for a visit after four weeks in custody and then at four-weekly intervals, and for special visits recommended by the prison welfare officer or for appeal or defence purposes. It is available during the first three months of a man's sentence but not, except for special visits, if he is serving three months or less.