HC Deb 18 March 1982 vol 20 cc473-4
15. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the standards of accommodation available for prison officers and their families.

Mr. Raison

Yes, Sir, in general, but improvements still need to be made. Revised standards for prison department married quarters were agreed in 1972 and applied to all quarters purchased or built after that date.

There is a continuing programme of improvements to houses and flats that fall below these standards, and that are required for long-term retention.

Mr. Atkins

Bearing in mind the fulfilment of an election pledge to build and renovate mote prisons, which is something that should be welcome in all parts of the House, will my right hon. Friend confirm that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to remove the artificial and administrative obstructions that prevent prison officers from becoming home owners?

Mr. Raison

I assure my hon. Friend that staff are given considerable freedom of choice as to whether they provide their own private accommodation, draw housing allowance or occupy a rent-free official quarter. This is as a result of a policy that the Government introduced in August 1979.

Mr. Flannery

When the Minister is thinking about accomodation for prison officers and their families, which all hon. Members want to see improved, will he also consider the appalling accommodation that exists for prisoners? Does he agree that a shortage of accommodation for prisoners breeds crime and that an improvement here is the first demand that should be made upon him?

Mr. Raison

As the House well knows, the Government are bringing in a substantial new prison building programme. This is the first time that this has happened for many decades.