§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will place in the Library of the House, and in the libraries of all the prisons where the charity Kainos Trust operates or where there is a proposal that it should operate, full information about the Kainos trustees, the address, telephone and fax numbers and e-mail of its headquarters, its annual report and accounts, and its objectives. [HL2408]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonI will arrange for a copy of Kainos's first annual report for the year ending 31 May 2000 to be placed in the Library and in the libraries of the three prisons in which the programme operates. This contains the requested information and will be available once the accounts have been finalised and audited, which is expected to be in July.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will give details of any proposals by Kainos that the latter should give presentations on its work to prisons where it does not currently operate. [HL2409]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonPresentations on the Kainos programme have been given by a team from the Verne prison at Lewes and Kingston prisons; a further presentation is planned at Channings Wood. The purpose of these presentations has been to provide interested prisoners (who may apply to transfer) and staff with information about the programme. Presentations have been given jointly by a member of the prison staff, a prisoner and a member of the Kainos team. A similar presentation has been planned by Highpoint prison for Winchester prison.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What information they have about the qualifications and experience of Kainos personnel working in prisons. [HL2410]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe employment of Kainos personnel is a matter for that organisation. All such personnel will be subject to standard checks into background, identity and reliability as well as the relevant security clearance before being allowed access to the prison.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have considered the implication under the Human Rights Act 1998 of the requirement that prisoners who undergo the Kainos course must take part in Christian observances. [HL2411]
56WA
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonYes. Participation on the Kainos community programme is undertaken on a voluntary basis. The course is open to prisoners of all, or no, religions, and participation in Christian observances, such as prayers, is also voluntary. We do not consider that these matters would raise issues under the Human Rights Act 1998 when it comes into full effect in October 2000.