HC Deb 11 June 1998 vol 313 cc639-40W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 June to the hon. Member for Newark (Mrs. Jones),Official Report, columns 50–51, what plans he has for the future provision of in-cell televisions with access to (a) satellite television services, (b) sporting events broadcast on satellite television services and (c) adult channels on satellite television services. [44610]

Ms Quin

There are no plans for the future provision of non-terrestrial in-cell television.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 June to the hon. Member for Newark (Mrs. Jones),Official Report, columns 50–51, what limits will be placed on the times at which prisoners will be able to have access to in-cell television. [44611]

Ms Quin

This will be a matter for local rules. Steps will be taken in all establishments holding juveniles to ensure observation of the threshold for unsuitable programmes set by the broadcasting authorities.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 June to the hon. Member for Newark (Mrs. Jones),Official Report, columns 50–51, how many levels of privilege are generally in operation throughout the Prison Service. [44616]

Ms Quin

Three: the basic, standard and enhanced privilege levels.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 June to the hon. Member for Newark (Mrs. Jones),Official Report, columns 50–51, if video recorders are to be made available to prisoners as part of the increased availability of in-cell television. [44614]

Ms Quin

There are no plans to allow prisoners to have video recorders as part of the policy on in-cell television.

Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 June to the hon. Member for Newark (Mrs. Jones),Official Report, columns 50–51, in respect of the procurement process for in-cell television, what is the average cost per television; if the televisions will be new; and if they will contain (a) digital technology and (b) teletext. [44615]

Ms Quin

The Prison Service has begun a procurement process for new, non-digital, 14 inch colour television sets. Teletext will not be included but, where there is networked aerial cabling, there will be the capacity to use spare channels to communicate by text information such as establishment routines. The unit cost of televisions purchased depends on the outcome of the tendering process and will not be known until a contract is awarded.