§ 31. Mr. JOHNasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the officers on the Swansea prison staff are being neglected in the scope for promotion; how many officers have been promoted to the rank of principal officer during the past eight years to the nearest convenient date; how many officers have been awarded the Imperial Service Medal during that period; and whether there is any ground for differentiation in the treatment of the staff of this Welsh prison?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that the claims of the prison staff at Swansea have been neglected in considering promotion to the rank of principal officer or awards of the Imperial Service Medal. When a vacancy occurs for a principal officer at any prison, all senior officers who are qualified for promotion are considered, and promotion is offered to the one who appears best suited for the post. During the last eight years the number of vacancies so filled has been 286, and it so happens that none has been promoted from Swansea, which has a small staff. During the same period there have been 10 retirements from the discipline ranks and two awards of the Imperial Service Medal at Swansea. There is no ground for the suggestion that there has been differentiation in the treatment of the staff at Swansea.