§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what communications there were between his Department and the Prison Service on 18 and 19 May concerning the proposed visit to Westminster by Mr. Eric Mann. [85456]
§ Mr. George Howarth[holding answer 25 May 1999]: Mr. Eric Mann is serving two consecutive six-month prison sentences (one for cultivating and possessing cannabis for personal use, the other for breach of a suspended prison sentence imposed for similar offences) at Prescoed prison.
The Prison Service communicated with the office of my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Williams of Mostyn, the prisons and probation Minister, on 19 May. This was to alert the Minister to Mr. Mann's temporary release from prison and his intended participation in a press conference during his visit to Westminster.
Subsequently, the Prison Service made a decision to amend the conditions of Mr. Mann's release. Ministers took no part in any of the Prison Service's subsequent decision-making regarding Mr. Mann's licence. They were, however, advised of the decisions made.