HC Deb 02 April 1985 vol 76 cc563-4W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why watches are taken away from people taken into custody.

Mr. Mellor

The general position is that a person arrested by the police may keep personal property unless the police consider that it may be used to cause harm to himself or others, to effect an escape or is needed as evidence. A person committed to prison custody may bring or purchase a watch, subject to the Governor's discretion to refuse permission if the retention of the watch is considered undesirable in the prisoner's own interests or in the interests of good order or security. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, perhaps he would write to me.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will ensure that reading material is available in prisons for anyone who requests it who has been taken into custody.

Mr. Mellor

In accordance with rule 30 of the Prison Rules 1964, reading material is available in prisons through their libraries for all persons received into custody who request it.