§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance is available for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives in respect of (i) travel, (ii) accommodation, (iii) subsistence and (iv) other costs; and if he will give the rates for that assistance where the prison is situated in(a) Scotland and (b) England or Wales. [1777]
566W
§ Sir John WheelerResponsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Northern Ireland Prison Service under its chief executive, Mr. Alan Shannon. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Alan Shannon to Mr. Seamus Mallon, dated 6 November 1996:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to the Parliamentary Question which you tabled about the availability of financial assistance for visits to prisoners by their immediate relatives, where the prison is situated in Scotland or England and Wales.Close relatives of prisoners, who qualify for assistance under Social Security regulations, receive the return fare to the prison by the cheapest route for 2 visits every 4 weeks. Payments are made on behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service by the Social Security Agency through the claimant's local Social Security Office by means of a giro cheque and travel warrant. Travel is normally by bus, train and ferry; in exceptional circumstances the cost of travel by taxi or air may be met.In addition to meet the cost of travel, where overnight accommodation and main meals are necessary, the following rates apply:Bed and breakfast accommodation
- £15.00 per night (adult rate)
- £10.00 per night (child rate)
Accommodation only
- £12.40 per night (adult rate)
- £7.40 per night (child rate)
Main meals
- £2.60 per meal (adult and child rate)
I hope this is helpful.