HC Deb 24 June 1985 vol 81 cc277-8W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what specific arrangements are made to cater for the dietary requirements of prisoners (a) in prison and (b) while in custody undergoing trial, whose religion imposes restrictions on the foods they may eat; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what specific arrangements are made to cater for the dietary requirements of prisoners (a) in prison and (b) while in custody undergoing trial, whose religion imposes restrictions on the times at which they may eat; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

Instructions issued to all establishments in 1983 on the treatment of inmates belonging to religious and other minorities included advice on the restrictions imposed by certain religions on the food which may be eaten and the times when it may be eaten. It is for individual establishments to determine the best way of catering for any special dietary needs of prisoners in their custody, both whilst they are in prison and when they are produced at court for trial, in the light of current instructions and local circumstances.

Mr. Leighton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provisions are made for food for those with special diet needs due to religious custom whilst they are attending courts in the custody of prison officers.

Mr. Mellor

Governors are required to ensure that prisoners produced at court are provided with sufficient food at reasonable hours. Instructions have been issued to governors on the dietary requirements of prisoners belonging to particular religions. It is for individual establishments to determine the best way of meeting any special dietary needs of prisoners attending court in the light of those instructions and local circumstances.