HC Deb 27 February 1997 vol 291 c289W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hours per day on average over the past 12 months prisoners in special secure units at Belmarsh prison have been confined to their cells; and if he will make a statement. [17309]

Miss Widdecombe

[holding answer 26 February 1997]: 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. Andrew Mackinlay, dated 27 February 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the hours prisoners have been confined to their cells in the special secure units (SSU) at Belmarsh prison. Prisoners are confined to their cells at all times outside of the core day. The core day at Belmarsh SSU is from 0830 to 2030 hours. In addition, during the core day prisoners are confined to their cells for the following periods of time:

  • On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 3 hoursjy40 minutes.
  • On Wednesday for 6 hours and 15 minutes.
  • On Saturday and Sunday for 5 hours and 25 minutes.
  • The figures quoted are averages calculated over the last 12 months.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been received from the solicitor representing Brian McHugh about the confidentiality and conditions for him to interview his client at Belmarsh prison; and if he will make a statement. [17368]

Miss Widdecombe

[holding answer 26 February 1997]: 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. Andrew Mackinlay, dated 27 February 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about representations received from the solicitor representing Brian McHugh. Mr. McHugh has been categorised as an exceptional risk Category A prisoner. Such prisoners are held in special secure units and are subject to closed visits. In exceptional circumstances an open visit may be allowed with the approval of the Director of Dispersal Prisons. The Prison Service has received a number of representations from the solicitor representing Mr. McHugh in support of applications for open legal visits.