HC Deb 11 March 1971 vol 813 cc148-9W
46 and 47. Mr. John Wells

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the acreage of commercial glass houses in all penal establishments; whether it is being increased; how many prisoners are employed in this way; and how many will be in 1972;

(2) what was the total area under commercial cultivation not under glass in penal establishments of all types at the last convenient date; and whether an increase or decrease is envisaged next year;

(3) how many prisoners have been trained in horticultural skills in the last three years for which records are available; and what is the average number of days that they worked in horticulture after their release, as revealed by the after-care service;

(4) what was the value of horticultural produce produced in penal establishments of all sorts in the last convenient 12 months; and on any average day how many prisoners, prison officers and instructors were engaged in this cultivation;

(5) what was the value of farm and horticultural produce produced in penal establishments of all types in the last convenient 12 months; what percentage of this was consumed within the system; and what percentage was sold for cash;

(6) what was the value of livestock and farm produce produced in penal establishments of all types in the last convenient 12 months; and how many prisoners, prison officers and instructors were engaged in this production or its supervision on an average day.

Mr. Carlisle

In the year ended 31st March, 1970, the average number of inmates employed on the prison department's estates was 2,368. Their work included the maintenance of grounds and woodlands as well as agricultural and horticultural production. All inmates working on farms or horticultural work receive training. Seventy-three prison officer instructors and 221 civilians are engaged in this work.

The area of commercial glass houses amounts to 5.54 acres. It is planned to increase this to 10.22 acres by 1972 and to 1422 acres by 1973. The rest of the area under commercial cultivation during the year ended 31st March, 1970, amounted to 8,612 acres. No significant change in this acreage during 1971 or 1972 is contemplated.

The total value of agricultural and horticultural products for the year ended 31st March, 1970 was £452,677. The value of produce used by the Department was £110,273 (approximately 24 per cent.). Cash sales of livestock amounted to £240,409 (approximately 55 per cent.); cash sales of produce amounted to £101,914 (approximately 21 per cent.).

These figures relate to England and Wales.

I regret that the further details asked for in the Questions are not available.