§ 25. Mr. McEnteeasked the Home Secretary what shortage of staff exists at Wandsworth and other prisons; what steps are being taken to increase the staffs; whether he is aware that candidates of good moral character and physical fitness are being rejected by the 1940 Prison Department because of their failure to answer psychological questions; and whether he is satisfied that the prison officers' rate of pay of from 50s. to 70s. per week and emoluments attracts candidates with a sufficient standard of education?
§ Mr. LloydThere is no shortage of staff at Wandsworth or other prisons, and my right hon. Friend is not aware of any ground for increasing the present established staff. Vacancies in the staff arise from time to time owing to retirement, transfers, etc., and at present there are three such vacancies at Wandsworth Prison and 40 vacancies for male officers in 36 other establishments. These vacancies are filled from training classes held periodically for probationary officers, but prison governors have authority to employ temporary officers pending permanent appointments being made. There are 42 probationers undergoing training at present. Candidates, before being selected for training, are interviewed and have to pass a medical examination and an educational test: this consists, in addition to the writing of a passage from dictation, of questions devised to test the general level of intelligence of candidates. There is at present no lack of candidates who attain the required standard.
§ Mr. McEnteeMay I ask whether governors of prisons generally refuse to exercise their power to fill casual vacancies, and that such vacancies remain open for long periods?
§ Mr. ThorneDo these men have their tempers properly tested before they are appointed?