§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any plans to amend the Prison Act 1952 in the foreseeable future; and whether the Act can be ignored where it is expedient to do so, in the absence of any likely challenge in the court. [HL423]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalIt is not clear which provision of the Prison Act 1952 the noble Lord is referring to. However, in general terms, the Government keep under review existing legislation and seek to amend or repeal provisions as necessary and when Parliamentary time allows. The Prison Service has of course an obligation to comply with the terms of any relevant Act of Parliament and, as a public authority, to ensure that it also complies with its obligations under the Human Rights Act 2000.