§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the workshops at Parkhurst Prison were closed on 20th May 1985 for a period of two weeks; whether, and if so, where and for how long, workshops at other prison establishments in England and Wales are to be closed; and whether strict budgetary control will affect other facilities for prisoners, including educational classes.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Glenarthur)The governor of Parkhurst Prison was faced with the threat of industrial action from prison officers over the provision of manpower to escort contractors engaged on building redevelopment work within the prison. In order to enable that work to be carried out from within the resources available the governor decided to close the workshops for two weeks from 20th May. The application of strict budgetary control at regional and local level must be seen against the increased resources available to the Prison Service, and I believe that it should be possible to avoid any general worsening of the facilities available to prisoners.