HC Deb 24 May 1999 vol 332 cc33-4W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment orders have been(a) made and (b) breached in the three pilot areas for the orders; and in how many of the cases where an order has been breached the offender attended the breach hearing.[84891]

Mr. George Howarth

As at 20 May 1999, courts in the pilot areas had made 67 drug treatment and testing orders; and 10 orders had been revoked. A breach hearing cannot be held in the absence of the offender.

September 1987, Ministers have urged Boards to publish annual reports. Boards of Visitors are independent, and it is up to each Board to decide whether it will publish its annual report or not. Boards are urged not to publish information which would risk compromising the security of the prison. They are also urged not to identify individual members of staff or prisoners by name.

Guidance is issued on the preparation of press releases, and how to deal with the media. Boards of Visitors also have access to advice from the Boards of Visitors Press and Public Relations Officer.