§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) under what circumstances prisoners in England and Wales are denied the opportunity to practise their religion, including attending services; and if he will make a statement;
561W(2) how many prisoners in English and Welsh prisons are not allowed to practise their religion, including attending services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdEvery effort is made to accommodate the religious needs and practices of prisoners who are members of recognised faiths and denominations. The extent to which this can be done will depend on the resources available within a particular prison, and no detailed information is available about the extent to which individual prisoners are afforded facilities for religious practices. Prisoners are generally entitled to attend the main services arranged for their declared religion. Arrangements may exceptionally be made for prisoners located in a separate unit within the main prison to attend services within the unit rather than those held for the general body of prisoners. The only circumstances in which a prisoner may be debarred from attending services held for members of his religious denomination are where, in the case of a hospital patient, the medical officer advises against it; where he has been guilty of misconduct at a service; or where his presence is considered likely to lead to a disturbance.