§ Sir Nicholas LyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the additional privileges enjoyed by a prisoner in custody on remand as compared to a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment or youth custody. [86765]
§ Mr. George HowarthA person remanded to prison awaiting trial is entitled to a number of additional privileges when compared to a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment or youth custody.
Unconvicted prisoners are allowed to:
- have additional books, newspapers, writing materials and other means of occupation in their possession at their own expense;
- undertake business activities;
- wear their own clothing;
- decide not to have their hair cut if they wish;
- send and receive an unlimited amount of letters;
- be visited and treated by a registered medical practitioner or dentist of their choice at their own expense;
- have an extra private cash allowance;
- have additional smoking materials in their possession;
- have unlimited visits; and
- decide whether or not to work.
Unconvicted prisoners are also not required to share a cell with a convicted prisoner.