§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners currently held in British prisons are awaiting trial; and if he will publish 498W in the Official Report a table comparing June figures with those of 1976 and 1975.
§ Mr. JohnOn 15th June 1977 there were 3,552 persons in custody in prisons and remand centres in England and Wales awaiting trial. The corresponding numbers in 1976 and 1975 were 3,296 and 3,581 respectively. Responsibility for offenders in Scotland rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied with the regular availability of legal advice to prisoners; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is satisfied with the availability of legal advice on matters relating to a person's treatment in prison; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JohnThe Prison Rules 1964, as amended, make provision for a prisoner to be able to communicate with, and obtain legal advice from, a legal adviser. Where the advice is sought with a view to taking civil legal proceedings concerning his treatment in prison the complaint must first be ventilated through the normal internal channels. I am satisfied with the present arrangements for enabling prisoners to obtain legal advice.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the regular availability of advice on personal and financial matters to prisoners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JohnPrison staff generally, and such specialist staff as medical officers, education officer, chaplains and seconded probation officers, are regularly available to provide advice and help of various kinds. They in turn have access to outside agencies in such fields as employment, accommodation, further education, health and the social services, including voluntary bodies catering for the welfare of prisoners and their families.