Prison Officers Association

HC Deb 21 January 1971 vol 809 cc1254-5

11. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met representatives of the Prison Officers Association; and whether he has any plans to do so.

Mr. Maudling

Three days ago.

Mr. Spearing

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that because of conditions beyond their control many prison officers are working in difficult circumstances? Does he also agree that morale, which is of such great significance, can be increased by methods which do not involve finance, and will he investigate that suggestion?

Mr. Maudling

In the short time in which I have been in this office I have been struck by the difficulties of the work of prison officers and how well they carry out their duties. I have had discussions with them recently on this sort of point.