§ 33. Mr. McEnteeasked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that there is a sufficient number of officers at Parkhurst convict prison to cope with the innovations of prison reform and safe custody; whether he is aware that many officers are unable to have their complete annual leave at the time required or leave in lieu of overtime; and whether he is aware of the discontent amongst members of the staff as a consequence?
§ Sir J. SimonI know of no reason for thinking that the staff at Parkhurst prison is insufficient for present needs. The date at which an individual officer can be allowed to take his annual leave and the amount which can be taken in one instalment necessarily depends on the 1346 claims of others; but I am glad to say that all leave due to the discipline staff was taken last year, including equivalent leave for overtime, and I am not aware that there is any discontent.