§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities were offered to Eamon O'Cuiv TD during his visit to Her Majesty's prison, Belmarsh on 5 December; and if he will make a statement. [8558]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 10 December 1996]: Responsibility 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 Richard Tilt to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 13 December 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the facilities offered to Mr O"Cuiv TD for his visit to Belmarsh Prison.Mr. O'Cuiv visited Belmarsh on 5 December where he met a group of prisoners in the Special Secure Unit, in open conditions. The visit was conducted in sight but out of hearing of prison officers.Mr. O'Cuiv was unable to see all the prisoners he wished to see because of his afternoon commitments In addition, one prisoner was required to attend an outside hospital appointment at short notice.