HC Deb 17 April 1996 vol 275 cc524-5W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the entitlements of detainees at(a) HMP Rochester (b) HMP Haslar and (c) Campsfield house to (i) receive incoming phone calls, (ii) make phone calls, (iii) receive personal and legal visitors and (iv) spend time in common areas not in cells or dormitories; and if he will make a statement. [25473]

Miss Widdecombe

[holding answer 16 April 1996]: Responsibility for this matter as regards the Prison Service has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given in consultation with the Immigration Service.

Rochester Haslar Campsfield House
Incoming telephone calls Answer- Phone only. Dedicated telephone in each dormitory available 24 hours a day. 0900–2200 daily via switchboard.
Messages passed on by staff Emergency calls may be accepted at other times.
Outgoing telephone calls One legal call a day at public expense. Cardphones available for as many calls as they can afford whenever unlocked. Two cardphones in each dormitory available 24 hours a day. Access to payphones 0700–2400 daily. Duty supervisor has discretion to allow calls at other times.
Personal and legal visitors One personal and legal visit a day, except Sundays, subject to space being available in the visits area. Monday—Friday 0930–1200 1330–1630 Personal and legal visits Personal: 1400–2100 daily (at other times in emergency or on compassionate grounds).
Personal: Mon—Fri 1400–1630 Saturday 1400–1500 1530–1630 Saturday—Sunday: 1330–1415 Personal visits (legal visits exceptionally) Legal: 0900–2100 daily (exceptionally at other times).
Time in common areas (not in cells/dormitories) 10 hours 20 mins a day. Monday—Friday: 12 hours a day Saturday and Sunday:11 hours 0700–2400