§ LORD MANCROFT asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they can indicate what reasons, besides the rates of pay, are responsible for the sharp drop in recruitment for the prison service; and 386 whether the situation is likely to result in delay of the opening of any new prisons.
§ LORD STONHAM: The figures for the appointment of male prison officers over the last five years are as follows: 1960–301; 1961–337; 1962–787; 1963–851; 1964–582. It will be seen that although the figures for 1964 are lower than those for the previous two years they are still substantially higher than those for the earlier years. There was a significant drop in recruitment in the second half of 1964 but there has been an encouraging increase in applications since the beginning of this year and every effort will be made to maintain this. There is no reason to suppose that the opening of any new establishment will be delayed.
§ It is never easy to identify the causes of fluctuation in recruitment, but my right honourable friend cannot accept the inference that the rates of pay have necessarily been a major factor. Pay was increased with effect from April 1, 1963, December 1, 1963, and January 1, 1964, and is currently under review under the terms of the national pay agreement for the Civil Service.
§ House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before ten o'clock.