§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it is necessary to censor letters to and from prisoners in open prisons.
§ Mr. MellorMost correspondence between prisoners at open establishments and their families and friends is not read by staff. This policy, which was introduced in 1976, reflects the security assessment of prisoners who are selected for open conditions. However, a random 5 per cent. of such correspondence—and all correspondence of other types, except correspondence with legal advisers in certain circumstances—is still subject to reading, as a check on compliance with the restrictions on the contents of correspondence, which apply to all prisoners. The arrangements for censorship at open prisons are under review in the light of the recommendations by the control review committee.