§ Mr. RENWICKasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a contract for the supply of brooms and brushes to a London gas-company has been entered into recently by the Prisons Commissioners; and whether, seeing that such brooms and brushes are made by prison labour, and in view of the effect of such competition upon artisans in the brushmaking trade, steps will be taken by His Majesty's Government to stop such competition by prison-made goods in future?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Gladstone)The contract in question is in accordance with the principles laid down in 1895 by the Committee on Prisons with the assent of representatives of the Trades Union Congress, and I see no reason for any departure from the conclusions then arrived at. The greatest possible care is taken not to sell goods made in prison below the market price, or to interfere in any way with wages or the employment of free labour.
§ Mr. RENWICKCan the prison authorities dispose of all the brushes and mats made?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThat is a very wide question. Naturally, they seek orders. Perhaps the hon. Member will let me know more definitely what he wishes to ascertain?