§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they reconcile the need to preserve the independence of boards of visitors at Her Majesty's prisons with the decision that the Boards of Visitors Secretariat is to continue to be employed in the Prison Service. [HL1202]
§ Lord Williams of MostynResponsibility for funding boards of visitors and the secretariat was transferred from the Home Office to the Prison Service with effect from 1 April 1998. As anticipated, this change has had no practical effect on the independence of boards and staff in the secretariat continue to provide boards with all necessary support.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What views have been expressed by the National Advisory Council (NAC) on the changes proposed for the management of boards of visitors; and whether they will extend the consultation period during which comments on the proposals may be submitted, so that boards of visitors may have an opportunity of expressing their opinions also on the views of the NAC. [HL1203]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAll boards of visitors have been invited to submit their views on this matter direct to me and the present consultation period should, I hope, be sufficient to enable them to do so. The National Advisory Council has been consulted about these proposed changes and has given them its support.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they did not include the Chairman of the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, the Prison Ombudsman and the Prison Reform Trust among those consulted about changes in the role and title of Director of Boards of Visitors; and whether the Chief Inspector of Prisons was consulted. [HL1232]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe proposed changes will only affect the way in which boards of visitors bring their concerns about prison issues to the attention of the Government and will not have any direct impact on the organisations or individuals mentioned.