HC Deb 10 February 1993 vol 218 cc625-6W
Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to serve meals in prisons at times of day which correspond more closely to mealtimes outside prison.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

A model regime for local prisons and remand centres was published in November 1992 which governors are expected to work towards. This sets out reasonable times at which meals should be served. A code of standards for the Prison Service is also being developed, for publication by the end of the year, and is expected to include provisions about mealtimes. At contracted prisons, there is a contractual obligation to provide meals at normal times.