§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what purposes prison chapels may be used other than for religious services and acts of worship;
(2) how many prison chapels are dedicated for exclusive use as places of worship;
(3) what is his policy regarding the use of prison chapels as cinemas for inmates;
(4) if he is satisfied that Pentonville prison chapel is being properly used by staff and inmates.
§ Mr. MellorAll prison chapels are dedicated as places of worship to be used primarily for acts of worship and religious services. The few Roman Catholic chapels where there is the Reserved Sacrament may be used only for religious purposes. Apart from these chapels a prison chapel may have wider uses, provided that due regard and respect arc had for its primary religious purpose. Alternative uses of this kind include staff and offical meetings, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and training groups for inmates in circumstances where alternative accommodation of a suitable size is not available.
In a few establishments, including Pentonville, it has been necessary to use the chapel as a cinema because of the lack of an alternative venue for this purpose. I have no reason to believe that improper use is being made of chapels by staff or inmates either at Pentonville or elsewhere.