§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what statutory provision the position of civil prisoners is defined; in what way their treatment differs from that of prisoners serving sentences of imprisonment; and if he will make a statement.
278Wfour police forces in Wales are currently below establishment.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe position at 30th September 1978 was as follows:
§ Dr. SummerskillThe term "civil prisoner" is used for administrative convenience within the prison service to denote prisoners committed or attached for contempt of court, or for failing to do something required by the court. Under prison rule 63(1) certain privileges enjoyed by unconvicted prisoners are extended to them. These privileges relate 279W to clothing, letters and visits and are defined in rules 20(1) and 34(1).