§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how frequently sentenced prisoners in borstals or prisons may send and receive letters; and if he is satisfied that this is sufficient to ensure adequate contact with families and friends.
§ Mr. MayhewWeekly; both prisoners and borstal trainees have a statutory entitlement to one letter and postage on this is met from public funds. A second free letter is allowed to young offenders. In case of need for purposes of family welfare a governor may allow any inmate an extra free letter. In addition, all prisoners and trainees may send further letters on which they pay postage from their prison earnings; in no prison is less than one such letter allowed; in all training prisons and borstals at least two such letters are allowed. As many letters are allowed inward as outward. My right hon. Friend regards these provisions as reasonable.