Letter: Progress at Holloway prison

Sir: Following your article of 2 April concerning Holloway and the Board of Visitors' report, I would like to set the record straight.

The prisoner who attended court in her night clothes did so after refusing to wear her own clothes, which were available to her, even after attempts by staff to persuade her to do so.

We have acknowledged that Holloway has faced considerable difficulties and we have also made it clear that action has been and is being taken to deal with the problems. Extra staff have been brought in to improve the regime and increase efficiency, new pest control and cleaning programmes are under way and much progress is being made.

Richard Tilt

Director General

HM Prison Service

London SW1