Written Answers
Prisons: Restrictions On Typewriters
asked Her Majesty's Government:Why typewriters are not allowed in prisons in England and Wales, and whether they will review the prohibition given that typewriters may be used by patients in special hospitals, and that prisons in France and the USA do not find it necessary to impose such a restriction.
There is no absolute prohibition on typewriters in prisons in England and Wales but their use may only be permitted for certain limited purposes and in the circumstances set out in Circular Instruction 5/1976. The restrictions currently imposed on typewriters properly reflect the particular security, staffing and resource considerations applying in our prisons, which are not directly comparable with those which obtain in special hospitals or prisons abroad.
Prisons: "Common Fund" Payments
asked Her Majesty's Government:How much "Common Fund" was paid out at each of the dispersal prisons at Christmas 1985, and why there are differences in payments between the dispersal prisons.
The administration of Common Funds, or General Purpose Funds as they are now known, is a matter for local discretion. The Governor of the prison, in deciding what payment, if any, should be made to prisoners over Christmas, takes into account the amount of the fund available at that time, the size of the prison population, the unlikely future demands on the fund, and, as far as possible, the views of the inmates themselves. The following payments were made at dispersal prisons over Christmas 1985:
| Albany | £1 |
| Gartree | £1·75 |
| Frankland | £1 |
| Hull | £0·75 |
| Long Lartin | £0·50 |
| Parkhurst | £0·75 |
| Wakefield | £0·50 |
| Wormwood Scrubs | £1·50 |
Parkhurst Prison: Building Works
asked her Majesty's Government:Why modern windows were not installed in C Wing, Parkhurst Prison, during the programme of alterations there, and whether they will state the cost of those alterations.
The work undertaken in C Wing, at an estimated cost of £280,000, was the minimum necessary to enable the re-establishment there of the therapeutic unit at an early date. It remains our intention, on completion of the other major work in progress or planned at Parkhurst, to carry out a complete refurbishment of C Wing, including the installation of modern windows.
asked Her Majesty's Government:When alterations were started on A and D Wings of Parkhurst Prison; what has been the cost to date; what is the estimated cost to completion; and what improvements in accommodation will result from this expenditure.
Work has not yet started on A and D Wings. A refurbishment scheme covering A, B and D Wings and the provision of a new kitchen is at an advanced design stage and work is scheduled to begin in 1986–87. The most important improvements to the wings will be the separation of the accommodation into smaller, more manageable units, each with its own discrete association facilities and access to a shared education unit; and the provision of integral sanitation in each cell. The current estimated cost of the scheme, including the kitchen, is £11·28 million.
Prisons: Accommodation Figures
asked Her Majesty's Government:How many C Category prisoners are accommodated in prisons designed for A Category prisoners in each region, and what spare accommodation in C Category prisons there is in each region.
On 30th September 1985, the most recent date for which figures are currently available, there were 333 Category C prisoners in dispersal prisons as follows:
| Midland Region | |
| Gartree | 33 |
| North Region | |
| Frankland | 63 |
| Wakefield | 18 |
| Hull | 132 |
| 213 | |
| South East Region* | |
| Albany | 37 |
| Parkhurst | 38 |
| 75 | |
| South West Region | |
| Long Lartin | 12 |
| Total all Regions | 333 |
| *Separate figures for the dispersal hall at Wormwood Scrubs are not available. | |
| Midland Region | |
| Featherstone | 0 |
| Ranby | 10 |
| Stafford | 0 |
| Stocken | 66 |
North Region
| |
| Acklington | 0 |
| Haverigg | 0 |
| Lancaster | 0 |
| Preston | 0 |
| Wymott | 0 |
South East Region
| |
| Camp Hill | 0 |
| Highpoint | 36 |
| Northeye | 12 |
| Norwich Annex | 32 |
| Wayland | 7 |
South West Region
| |
| Channings Wood | 13 |
| Shepton Mallet | 0 |
| The Verne | 7 |
| Total all Regions | 183 |
Over one-third of these were at Stocken, which had not yet built up to full capacity following its recent opening.
Metropolitan Police Force Establishment
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in the light of figures recently published which reveal a substantial increase in the number of crimes of violence committed in the London area, they will now accede to the Commissioner's request for an increase of 2,000 police officers in the Metropolitan Police Force.
The strength of the Metropolitan Police has increased by nearly 4,500 since May 1979. As he announced in another place on 21st October, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has put in hand urgent work to assess where there are specific needs for further increases in the force establishment. The results of this work are expected shortly.
Traffic-Induced Vibration And Pollution: Damage
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they consider that local authorities have sufficient powers to deal with the damage being caused by the vibration and pollution of heavy vehicles to buildings of national importance, or whether they consider that the problem ought to be dealt with on a national basis.
The scale of such damage does not on present evidence represent a national problem. However, the Transport and Road Research Laboratory is carrying out a programme of research into the effects on buildings of traffic-induced vibration. This will include consideration of heritage buildings.
Secretaries of State and local authorities already have powers, for roads within their responsibility, to take action as follows to deal with problems associated with traffic-induced vibration and pollution:
In addition local authorities and the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission may give grants towards repair and safeguarding of individual listed buildings.
No need is currently seen for additional powers to deal with problems of this nature.
Interrogation Techniques: Training Document
asked Her Majesty's Government:Which department is responsible for the document INTG 1, entitled
Interrogation; for whom it is intended; which paragraphs are intended to apply to peace-time situations; whether Special Branch in the absence of the military would use the methods described in INTG 1; whether any joint teams/centres have been formed as described in paragraph 25 and if so, whether they will give details, under what circumstances such teams would be formed; what countries have sent members of their police or armed forces to Great Britain to train in the methods described; on what date the document was issued; whether it is still current and if not, what is the title and reference of the document which has replaced it.
The document concerned is a Ministry of Defence training précis for use on courses for military personnel in interrogation techniques which they would require in war. It is a general introduction to the use of interrogation for military intelligence purposes and, although it was first issued some years ago, it remains current.It is primarily concerned with the interrogation of prisoners of war but, in order to be comprehensive, also includes a few paragraphs (24 to 30) which relate to internal security operations overseas of the sort in which the British armed forces have in the past occasionally been involved, for example in Malaya in the 1950s. These paragraphs draw attention to the special factors to be taken into account if military interrogators are used during such operations although, as the document notes, interrogations would normally be under the control of the police in the country concerned (generally the local special branch or equivalent). The detailed interrogation procedures described in the document are therefore concerned only with military intelligence requirements during war.British troops are not currently engaged in any operations of this kind and, consequently, no joint police/military teams or centres as envisaged in the document exist. It is difficult to foresee circumstances in which the requirement for military interrogators to become involved in such operations could recur, although it is only prudent to take some account of the possibility in training.Training in various aspects of intelligence and security is provided to members of the armed forces of NATO and other close allies, but it is not our practice to list the specific countries to which we give particular types of training.
Sdi Research Programme: Civil Spin-Off
asked Her Majesty's Government:What are the spin-off effects for civilian use in the United Kingdom which will be derived from the research into systems in space referred to by the Secretary of State for Defence
(Official Report, Commons, 14th January 1986; cols. 909 and 912) even if the research is not capable of achieving its main military objective.
At this stage of British participation in the SDI research programme I am afraid that it is too early to give any specific examples of civil spin-off which may arise from research work undertaken. However, I would like to assure the noble Lord that the Government attach importance to exploiting potential civil spin-off from any defence research work carried out in the United Kingdom including work undertaken in the SDI research programme.
Meat Industry: Training Inquiry
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the inquiry into training for the meat industry announced recently by the Meat and Livestock Commission would not be more effective if the commission and the Meat Industry Training Organisation acted jointly in this matter.
This is a matter for the Meat and Livestock Commission itself to decide. However, I understand that the commission will take the views of the Meat Industry Training Organisation fully into account in its assessment of the changing requirements for training in the industry.
Public Inquiry Procedures
asked Her Majesty's Government:Following the reply given to Viscount Hanworth on 4th December 1985 (col. 1401) what measures are being taken to improve the exchange of information before public inquiries open, and whether they will consider proposing amendments to the Standing Orders of both Houses of Parliament to ensure that a similar exchange of information takes place before the consideration by a Committee of either House of an opposed Private Bill.
The Council on Tribunals have been asked for their views on a draft code of practice for the pre-inquiry stages of major inquiries. The purpose of the code is to help the inspector and the parties prepare for the inquiry; the presentation, in advance of it, of information and views is one of its major elements. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. Ministers have no plans to put to either House proposals for changes to procedures on the lines suggested by the noble Lord.
Heating Payments And Severity Of Weather
asked Her Majesty's Government:What extra heating payments are being made to claimants so far this winter on the ground of exceptionally severe weather; and on what basis is severity of weather calculated.
The Chief Adjudication Officer issued revised guidance to adjudication officers on 6th December 1985 on how to determine whether there has been a period of exceptionally severe weather. A copy of the guidance has been placed in he Library. The decision is for adjudication officers, not Ministers.
Supplementary Benefit: Board And Lodging Payments
asked Her Majesty's Government:What restitution has been made to date of supplementary benefit payments owed to claimants in bed and breakfast accommodation; and how many claims are estimated to be outstanding.
Following the original High Court judgment on 31st July 1985 when time limits for payments as a boarder for certain claimants were withdrawn, arrears of supplementary benefits have been paid to some 8,500 claimants amounting to about £750,000.The Court of Appeal decision on 13th December means that for the period from 29th April to 24th November 1985 arrears will be payable to claimants whose charges for ordinary board and lodging exceeded the relevant limit and the excess amount was not met by the transitional protection arrangements. Instructions on assessing claims were issued during the first week in January and local offices will be identifying affected cases and paying arrears as soon as possible. Copies of the instructions are in the Library. It is not possible at this stage to give a reliable estimate of the number of cases where arrears may be due.We are also seeking judicial clarification of the effect of the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements) Amendment and Temporary Provisions Regulations (SI 1984/2034) which governed the payments for all types of boarders from December 1984 to April 1985.
"Helping The Community To Care" Programme
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will list the amounts of money, the amounts per project and the details of each project on which "Help the Community to Care" funds have already been spent.
The Helping the Community to Care programme consists of 12 distinct elements each at a different stage of development and managed by a variety of organisations. Final figures for expenditure in 1985/86 are not yet available but we estimate that the total sum will be £1,364,000.The information that follows gives a brief description of each element, indicates which organisations are involved in its management and shows how much was spent in 1984/85.1. HOME FROM HOSPITAL SCHEMES FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS (£13,500)A three-year project to set up demonstration projects to ensure basic care so that elderly patients discharged from hospital can settle in again at home. Age Concern, the British Red Cross Society and the Continuing Care Project will manage the schemes.2. INFORMATION AND TRAINING FOR CARERS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM INCONTINENCE (£8,500)A two-year project to produce guidelines and materials for training programmes about the problems and management of incontinence in elderly people, both for professional staff, especially GPs, nurses (and social services staff) and also for informal carers and volunteers. The work is being managed by the King's Fund and Age Concern.3. SUPPORT FOR ELDERLY MEMBERS OF ETHNIC MINORITIES (—)A three-year project to produce and run a training programme for volunteers working with ethnic minority elderly people and to set up demonstration projects to develop services for them. Age Concern and the Standing Conference of Ethnic Miniority Senior Citizens will manage some of the activities: other applications are being considered.4. DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS FOR SELF HELP/MUTUAL AID GROUPS (£14,000)To provide an opportunity to develop and gain experience from the support of informal self help/mutual aid groups. This will be achieved by providing funding for 18 well designed and managed projects. Careful monitoring will enable experience to be used constructively and fed into future developments on a wider basis. The scheme is being managed by a group of national voluntary organisations who are termed the Self Help Alliance.
5. AFTER-CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA (£23,000)
Three projects in Southampton, Salford and Hackney for the development of systems designed to improve the follow-up and co-ordination arrangements for chronic schizophrenic patients and information packages for sufferers and their families. The health authorities in these districts are managing the schemes.
6. INDUSTRIAL THERAPY ADVICE UNIT (£12,000)
To help the British Institute of Industrial Thereapy to fund a small advice unit and associated services which will encourage and support the development of viable and potentially self-financing community industrial therapy units. The units will aim to provide long-term employment and training opportunities for mentally disordered people living in the community.
7. OPEN UNIVERSITY COURSE ON COMMUNITY CARE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE (£50,000)
To assist MENCAP and the Open University to develop the first phase of a course on mental handicap for care staff and the families of mentally handicapped people.
8. COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE (—)
To fund Dr Barnardo's for the conversion of a large residential unit in Woodford Bridge, London, into a general community centre for mentally handicapped people and their families and for the initial running costs of the centre. The centre will support the recruitment and training of carers, as well as providing a centre for information and self-help activities.
9. INFORMATION AND TRAINING FOR INFORMAL CARERS (£12,000)
To increase understanding of the needs of informal carers and to identify the various means of support; to identify and develop educational resources which can contribute to meeting these needs; to identify how these resources might reach carers and to explore ways in which front-line professionals might increase their support for informal carers. The King's Fund is managing this scheme.
10. DEMONSTRATION DISTRICT'S FOR INFORMAL CARERS (—)
Three demonstration districts are being established (in East Sussex, Stockport, and Sandwell) to explore and expand the range of services provided by the voluntary sector to assist informal carers. Voluntary sector consortia in each area will manage the schemes and work in partnership with statutory services.
11. FAMILY SELF HELP CENTRES (£ 10,000)
Family centres which provide social recreational services for the community can also help to give support to families at risk or already under stress. This may reduce delinquency or diminish the need to take children into care. The department is therefore encouraging the setting up and development of self help family centres as a preventive social services measure. The department also wishes to sponsor demonstration projects for community services providing information and help for families seeking day-care for pre-school children.
The department has sponsored the National Children's Bureau to carry out a preliminary study to collect information about the various models of family centres and current practice in the field and a further short-term study by NCB is under way. Other work is being considered.
12. ASIAN MOTHER AND BABY CAMPAIGN (£123,000)
This is a partnership between DHSS, Save the Children Fund and health authorities. The aim is to improve the accessibility, acceptability and uptake of antenatal care for Asian mothers. The means are a health education campaign and the employment of "link-workers", women with a good knowledge of English and at least one Asian language whose role is to impove communication and mutual understanding between Asian mothers and health professionals.