The letter below was sent to then Prisons Minister Paul Boateng as dated. It was ignored, as were the two follow ups, the first of which was delivered by hand to the House of Commons, and the second by E-mail. It was not until June 2001 that I finally received a reply of sorts from the Home Office, and then only after the intervention of my conscientious MP. The reader may draw his own conclusions about Paul Boateng and the Home Office bureaucracy in general from this evasiveness.
Right Honourable Paul Boateng MP, 93c Venner Road,
House of Commons, Sydenham,
London SW1. London SE26 5HU.
0208 659 7713
E-Mail A_Baron@ABaron.Demon.Co.UK
October 4, 2000
Dear Sir,
I am writing in connection with the case of Satpal Ram who is
currently serving a life sentence for murder in Belmarsh Prison. *
I believe that recently Prisons Minister Paul Boateng met with
his legal representatives to discuss allegations of ill-treat-
ment. A photograph of Mr Ram with his face and eye clearly
bruised has recently been distributed by his supporters. I would
be most grateful if you could inform me of the situation, subject
to the normal restrictions.
I remain yours faithfully,
A Baron
* Ram was actually then in Full Sutton
Right Honourable Paul Boateng MP, 93c Venner Road,
House of Commons, Sydenham,
London SW1. London SE26 5HU.
0208 659 7713
E-Mail A_Baron@ABaron.Demon.Co.UK
November 8, 2000
Dear Sir,
This letter was sent to you as dated. I have not yet received a
reply, for whatever reason. I would be most grateful if you could
reply now.
Yours sincerely,
A Baron
Right Honourable Paul Boateng MP, 93c Venner Road,
House of Commons, Sydenham,
London SW1. London SE26 5HU.
0208 659 7713
E-Mail A_Baron@ABaron.Demon.Co.UK
November 18, 2000
Dear Mr Boateng,
The two letters below were sent to you as dated. The second was
actually delivered in person to the House of Commons. I have not
received a response to either. May I remind you that as an MP, a
member of the government, Prisons Minister no less, and as a man
who has never been shy of making noises about “racism” that you
have an obligation to respond?
In particular what is the position with regard to allegations of
ill-treatment - physical and otherwise - against Satpal Ram whom
I am informed is currently in Full Sutton Prison? Have any of
these allegations been substantiated, and if so what action has
been taken?
This letter is being E-mailed; if I do not receive a reply within
ten days it will be posted in a public forum.
Yours sincerely,
A Baron