HC Deb 12 December 1935 vol 307 cc1097-8
48. Mr. MONTAGUE

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the minimum rate of pay of a prison officer is now 45s. 11d. per week, there is any prospect of the scale of pay being improved, having regard to the hazardous nature of the prison officers' duties?

Sir J. SIMON

The figure of 45s. 11d. is the minimum cash payment, and in addition officers receive housing or an allowance in lieu and other emoluments. The question of scales of pay is under discussion with representatives of the prison staff, but I am not at present in a position to make any further statement on the matter.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been a substantial reduction in pay?

Sir J. SIMON

I cannot say that without notice.

49. Mr. MONTAGUE

asked the Home Secretary the terms of the prison department standing order relating to written charges made against officers; whether facilities are provided for officers charged with offences to see the nature of the charges made against them before any disciplinary action is taken; and if officers are required to sign the documents shown to them dealing with the charges apart from signing their own statement?

Sir J. SIMON

The Standing Order provides that When an officer is charged with an offence he will be reported to the Governor, and will be called upon to write his reply on the report, but he will first be allowed to see all the information against him, so that he may know exactly what he is accused of. Care is always taken to se that an officer who is charged with a disciplinary offence is made fully aware of the nature of the charge. The practice is to give to the officer a document setting out the charge and for the officer to write his reply on the back of this document.

Mr. MONTAGUE

In view of the fact that these officers are under semi-military discipline, can there be some appeal in case of serious offences?

Sir J. SIMON

This appeal was brought before my predecessor and I have myself had an opportunity of considering it. That is a form of appeal which I think is very proper, as long as it is properly discharged. I can only tell the hon. Member that I am quite satisfied that in this case the requirements of the rule were complied with in the spirit and in the letter.