§ 52. Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made to him on the subject of the sale of products manufactured by prison labour at uneconomic prices; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TaverneThe pricing of prison-made goods has been discussed recently with the representatives of three industries, who have been assured that the policy is to quote fair market prices.
§ 53. Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why his Department tenders for contracts with nationalised industries and public corporations for goods produced by prison labour without signing a fair wages clause, in view of the fact that this policy is causing redundancy particularly in the case of cast stone products.
§ Mr. TaverneThe Fair Wages Resolution of 1946 does not apply to labour in prison workshops, but the spirit of the Resolution is preserved by the policy of fixing fair market prices. The position in the cast stone industry is being discussed with representatives of the industry.