§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Rev. John Hargreaves of the prison chaplaincy advised the Buddhist prison chaplaincy, Angulinala, that at least two hours should be allocated for each visiting minister for each visit; whether they recognise that when a prisoner has serious problems, longer visits may be necessary; and why Reading prison uniquely imposes a limit of one hour per visit.
Earl FerrersThe advice related to general guidance which the prison service chaplaincy provides to governors of prison establishments to assist them in making appropriate budgetary provision for visiting ministers. The actual number and length of visits to prisons by ministers of a particular religious denomination will reflect the number of inmates of that faith in the prison at the time and the needs of those inmates. The guidance is not intended to, and does not, prevent longer visits which may be necessary 83WA for particular purposes. The provision made in H.M. Prison, Reading, has been increased and is now consistent with that made in other establishments.