Prisoners (Relatives' Visits)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 13 Rhagfyr 1973.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Kevin McNamara Mr Kevin McNamara , Kingston upon Hull North 12:00, 13 Rhagfyr 1973

While not entering into the merits of the alleged crimes that these people may or may not have committed, what we are concerned about are the strain and emotional hardship placed upon many of their families in making visits both to the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland and also to prisons in this country. We appreciate what the Minister has said about extra help for those just above the supplementary benefit level, but many hon. Members and members of all communities in Northern Ireland would like a statement that the whole of this matter is being considered much more sympathetically, with the object of giving greater hope, encouragement and assistance to the families, ensuring that they will be fairly treated in seeing their people who are in gaol.