§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the latest estimated average weekly earnings in prisons, compared to the previous two years; what is the target rate for prison earnings; and when he estimates that this will be achieved.
§ Mr. TaverneThe average weekly earnings of prisoners in England and Wales, excluding those employed outside prisons for normal wages, is 6s. 1d. This is about 20 per cent. higher than in 1964. Selected prisoners can already earn up to £1 a week and these opportunities are being extended. The eventual aim is to pay normal wages, but we cannot yet state when this will be achieved.
§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he hopes to institute a scheme for prisoners to be able to pay restitution from their prison earnings.
§ Mr. TaverneThe possibility of securing reparation out of prisoners' earnings is being examined by the Advisory Council on the Penal System as part of its study of the question of reparation by the offender. My right hon. Friend will consider the matter further in the light of the Council's recommendations.