§ Gillian MerronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the changes to the terms of reference of the Prisons Ombudsman. [80078]
§ Mr. StrawFollowing an internal Home Office review last November (a copy of which is in the Library), I have decided to revise and extend the terms of reference of the Prisons Ombudsman. The revised terms of reference, which have been agreed with the Ombudsman, will come into effect from 1 May. They will allow the Ombudsman a wider role in considering complaints made by prisoners, by additionally including investigation of official advice upon which Ministers' decisions are made. A full copy of the Prisons Ombudsman's revised terms has been placed in the Library.