(This note is not part of the Rules)
These Rules amend the Prison Rules 1964, as amended, for four main purposes. Firstly, the Rules remove the disciplinary functions of Boards of Visitors. Transitional provision is made so that Boards of Visitors have continuing jurisdiction to deal with cases referred to them before the coming into force of these Rules. Secondly, the Rules increase the entitlement of a prisoner to receive visits from once every four weeks to twice every four weeks. Thirdly, the Rules abolish the separate disciplinary offence of failing to return to prison after a period of temporary release which duplicates, in part, the offence of failing to comply with a condition of release. Fourthly, the Rules make necessary modifications to the Prison Rules 1964 in their application to prisons which are contracted out in accordance with Part IV of the Criminal Justice Act 1991.