§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy as to the placing of security 953W cameras in the visiting areas of prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the director general of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 31 October 1994:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about security cameras in visiting areas of prisons.The use of closed circuit television cameras in visits areas in prison can be a valuable security aid. The policy is for governors to install such equipment where they judge that the benefits in terms of improved security and control will justify the investment.