§ Sir Norman FowlerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Chief Inspector of Prisons about the Chief Inspector's right to comment on Government policy; what advice he has given; and if he will make a statement. [47981]
§ Mr. StrawBoth I and the Minister of State, Home Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), who has responsibility for prisons and probation, meet Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons on a regular basis. Discussions are wide-ranging and will, from time to time, extend to the nature of the Chief Inspector's role. These responsibilities are set out in the Prison Act 1952 and require that he 345W inspect all prison establishments and report to the Home Secretary on the condition in which prisoners are being held. The Chief Inspector is also able to raise any other issue of concern with Ministers.