§ Mrs. Renee Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, and in what way, information is given to prisoners in written form about the procedure for making a complaint.
§ Mr. MayhewInformation about making complaints is provided for prisoners on printed cards placed in cells.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations are in force in prison department establishments regarding the hair style and length of hair of male and female black prisoners and trainees, and the wearing of combs in the hair; and whether he will reconsider the necessity for retaining these regulations.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Prison Rules 1964 provide that, unless excused or excepted by the governor or medical officer, every convicted male prisoner shall be required to have his hair cut as may be necessary for neatness. An exception is made for baptised members of the Sikh religion who are also permitted to wear a symbolic comb.
Women prisoners are not required to have their hair cut unless the medical officer certifies that it is necessary for sake of health or cleanliness. Combs may be worn unless their design would permit their use as an offensive weapon. We are not aware of any special reason for changing these regulations.