§ 36. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will appoint a committee to investigate the prison service and make recommendations as to recruitment, remuneration and career structure, with particular reference to custodial and sociological functions and the nature of the staff best qualified to exercise them.
§ Mr. CarlisleThese are all aspects of staffing which are kept under constant review, and my right hon. Friend does 2115 not think that there is any occasion for an inquiry by an outside committee.
§ Mr. KingDoes not the community owe a great debt to members of the prison service who act on its behalf sometimes in difficult and painful circumstances? Is my hon. Friend aware that they do not want to be regarded only as turnkeys, but want to play a more constructive rôle? Is he further aware that this is all linked with a career structure and better prospects for promotion?
§ Mr. CarlisleI am glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the dedicated work of members of the prison service in difficult conditions. As for a career structure, my hon. Friend may know that a working party appointed by the previous Home Secretary is examining the prospects of promotion to the Governor grade.