§ Andrew BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many telephone lines are available at Manchester Strangeways Prison for individuals to phone about prison visits; what percentage of callers get through first time; and what percentage of callers fail to get through after five attempts. [4966]
§ Beverley HughesThere are three lines available for booking domestic visits at Manchester Prison.
There have been difficulties with the booking system at Manchester for some time, but it is only recently that technical problems with the telephony equipment have been identified. Manchester is programmed to have its entire telephone system replaced in or around October this year.
The other information requested is not available as the telephone logging records only show the number of successful and unsuccessful calls and do not identify the source or whether it is a first or repeat call. Figures for 682W November 2000, the most recent available, show that 83.5 per cent. of incoming calls received the engaged signal.
It has been very difficult for callers to contact the visit booking service at Manchester prison at certain times, and we regret the inconvenience this has caused. Prior to replacing the system, a weekend telephone booking facility is being introduced from 22 July, and from 19 August prisoners will be able to book visits on behalf of their visitors, who will then be able to collect their visiting orders on arrival at the prison gate.