§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of his Department on visits to prisons by judges; and what guidelines he issues on how often such visits should take place.
§ Mr. MellorThe Department welcomes visits by judges to penal establishments. The frequency of such visits is not a matter for us but I understand that all newly appointed assistant recorders are required by the Lord Chancellor to visit at least two establishments before they sit judicially. The Judicial Studies Board encourages all experienced judges and recorders to visit penal establishments from time to time.