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