§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how much money the Government spent last year on the cost of overnight accommodation for people visiting relations in prison who were not able to return home the same day; and to how many people that applied;
(2) how much travel expenses prisoners;
(3) how many expenses to visit year.
§ Mr. DeakinsI regret that the information is not available in the form requested. In the financial year 1975–76, about £226,000 was paid on travel and subsistence to people visiting prisoners. Information about the number of individuals receiving payments could be obtained only with disproportionate effort and expense.
§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) in what circumstances his Department pays the train fares of relatives visiting a person in prison; and how many visits can be made in a year;
(2) what is the maximum travel allowance for relatives visiting a person in prison.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe Supplementary Benefits Commission, as agent for the Home Office, assists relatives who are receiving supplementary benefit, or whose income is not much above supplementary benefit levels—provided they are not in full-time work—to visit prisoners detained for more than three months, at the rate of 13 visits in a period of 12 months. Extra visits may be paid for if there is a special need. Payment is made according to individual circumstances, but is normally limited to the cost of most economical public transport.