HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1527-9W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the National Association of Prison Visitors. [68220]

Mr. Hilary Benn

I have yet to meet the National Association of Prison Visitors, having been unable to attend their annual general meeting this year. I look forward to meeting them at a suitable point in the future.

Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison visitors there were in each of the past 10 years; and what plans he has to increase their number. [68219]

Mr. Hilary Benn

Statistics on the number of official prison visitors are not collated centrally. However, the contribution of such visitors is highly valued and it is an audited requirement for prisons to run prison visiting schemes, where there is demand. Moreover, the Prison Service continues to provide an annual grant to the National Association of Prison Visitors, and is actively assisting that organisation and others to increase and broaden the range of prison visitors.