Written Answers
Uk Prisons: Privilege Systems
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish a table comparing for prisoners in Northern Ireland and Great Britain respectively: the number of letters per month at public expense; the number of visits per month; the number of parcels per month, and any other privileges where there are differences between the two systems.
The following table relates to sentenced adult prisoners:
| Number of letters per month, at public expense | Number of visits per month | Number of parcels per month | |
| Northern Ireland | 1 as a right, 7 as a privilege | 1 as a right, 3 as a privilege | 4 as a privilege |
| England & Wales | 4 as a right and additional letters for special purposes | 1 as a right; many prisons allow more as a privilege | Governors may allow specified items, e.g. books to be handed or sent in |
| Scotland | Ditto | 3 as a right in each 2 months but more allowed as a privilege | Ditto |
Economic Co-Operation: Madrid Conference Proposals
asked Her Majesty's Government:What response has been made at the Madrid Conference on European Security and Co-operation to the proposal by the European Communities that problems related to economic co-operation should be studied within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
A number of new proposals have been tabled at the Madrid Conference recommending that problems related to economic co-operation should be studied within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe; for instance, one, cosponsored by members of the European Community, recommends the examination of difficulties created by the growth of compensation trading. Discussion is at an early stage, but the response of Eastern countries to Western proposals so far has been disappointing.
Scallops: Close Season
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will introduce a close season for scallops.
Evidence suggests that the breeding cycle of the scallop varies considerably from one area to another. It would therefore be difficult to set a close season on a national basis which would suit scallop stocks in all areas. Government scientists are carrying out further research into the possibility and desirability of close seasons for individual fisheries.
The Royal Navy: Major Vessel Orders
asked Her Majesty's Government:What major naval ships have been ordered in the course of the year 1980 and what major naval ships it is proposed to order in the course of the year 1981.
In 1980, the Ministry of Defence ordered four major naval ships, all of which were Hunt Class mine counter-measures vessels. Another notable order in 1980 was that for the two Castle Class offshore patrol vessels, which are the first of their class and will play a significant role in the important task of protecting our offshore interests.As for 1981, I have nothing to add to the statement in the House of Commons on 20th January made by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence. Tenders for the coming year under consideration include nuclear-powered fleet submarines, two frigates, and minesweeping trawlers, among other vessels.House adjourned at five minutes past nine o'clock.