Ivor Callely
Question:228 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of clothing purchased for use by prisoners in 1996; and the likely cost in 1997. [1981/97]
Written Answers. - Prison Administration.
Ivor Callely
Question:229 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of the purchase of transistor radios for use by prisoners in 1996; and the likely cost in 1997. [1982/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:230 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of maintenance and upkeep of the prison system in 1996; the likely cost in 1997; if she will give a breakdown of the cost of the prison system per head of prisoner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1983/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:231 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total food costs in relation to food supplies for prisoners in 1996; the content of the normal daily/weekly meals to prisoners; the special arrangements, if any, for meals for prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1984/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:232 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of library and reading material available to prisoners in 1996; the type of library and daily/weekly/monthly reading material that is available to prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1985/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:233 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of gym facilities available to prisoners in 1996; the type of activities available to prisoners; the special arrangements, if any, in place for all indoor and outdoor activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1986/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:234 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the total cost of telephone calls by prisoners in the prison system in 1996; the availability of telephones and usage of prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1987/97]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233 and 234 together. The details of expenditure sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table. In each case the figures quoted exclude the pay costs of the permanent prison staff involved in the provision and management of the services in question.
|
Item |
Cost in 1996 |
Provision for 1997 |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
Clothing |
0.756m. |
0.620m. |
|
Transitor Radios |
605 |
605 approx. |
|
Total cost of upkeep of the Prison system |
102.284m. |
102.4m. approx. |
|
Victualling |
2.547m. |
2.801m. |
|
Library Materials |
42,414 |
40,000 approx, |
|
Gym Equipment |
78,053 |
100,000 |
In general, transistor radios are not purchased by my Department for use by prisoners. They can be bought from prison tuck shops if required, by individual prisoners. However, in a small number of exceptional cases, radios are purchased at State expense for prisoners.
The annual cost of keeping an offender in 1996 was approximately £46,500, based on the provisional outturn. This figure excludes capital expenditure and expenditure not connected directly with the running of the prisons, such as costs incurred by the probation and welfare service. However, relevant costs borne on other Votes, such as superannuation and teachers' salaries, are included.
The arrangements in place for prisoner catering provide a nutritious diet as recommended by CERT and in keeping with the best dietary advice for the general community. A well balanced 14 day menu cycle has been introduced in most institutions and the medical officer at each prison may exceptionally prescribe special diets for individual prisoners on medical grounds. The kitchens are run on a professional basis with a qualified prison service cook/chef in most cases.
Library facilities are available in all prisons and newspapers and magazines are available on request.
All institutions have a supervised gymnasium which is used by inmates for a range of activities, including exercise classes on a group and individual basis. Supervision is provided by a qualified instructor.
Subject to the maintenance of safe custody, good order and security, and where practicable, a Governor may make arrangements by which a prisoner may communicate by telephone with members of his or her family or with legal advisers. The provision of free telephone calls is at the discretion of local management. Due to the nature of telephone billing in the prisons it is not feasible to accurately state the cost of telephone calls by prisoners.