HC Deb 09 January 1996 vol 269 cc192-3W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the names, occupations and qualifications of members of the boards of visitors for HMP Lindholme and HMP Moorlands; [2233]

(2) if he will list the occupations, qualifications and source of nomination of the members of the board of visitors of (a) Doncaster prison (b) Moorlands prison (c) Lindholme prison and (d) Hatfield prison. [1819]

Miss Widdecombe

Members of boards of visitors at each prison and young offender institution in England and Wales are appointed by my right hon. and learned Friend. Occupation is not a criterion for appointment and information about members' occupations is not held centrally and could be gathered only at disproportionate cost. There are no requirements for specific formal qualifications.

Nominations for boards of visitors come from a variety of sources. Many candidates put themselves forward as a result of seeing advertised vacancies in newspapers and other outlets or are referred from a variety of other voluntary organisations. The only criteria for applying are that the candidate should live within about 20 miles of the prison or young offender institution to which they wish to be appointed, must not have an interest in any contract for the supply of goods or services to that establishment or other close link which would affect their impartiality, and have the time, interest and commitment to undertake the duties of a board member. Applications to join boards of visitors are welcome from anyone who fits these criteria.