HC Deb 03 November 1975 vol 899 cc30-1W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of setting up the control unit at Wakefield in capital and revenue costs.

Dr. Summerskill

£110,500 in capital costs. The running costs were mainly staff costs which varied according to the use of the unit and cannot be accurately measured.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been spent on the creation of a control unit in Wormwood Scrubs.

Dr. Summerskill

£10,500.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost of the control units set up with Her Majesty's Prison Service.

Dr. Summerskill

£121,000 in capital costs. The running costs were mainly staff costs which varied according to the use of the unit and cannot be accurately measured.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specialist training has been provided for officers recruited to the control units; and what use will now be made of that training.

Dr. Summerskill

All the officers selected for work in the control unit at Wakefield attended a two-week course designed to provide greater insight and understanding of the management and treatment of difficult and disruptive prisoners. This training will continue to be of value in other work to which these officers may be assigned.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the present prison control unit methods; and if he will make a statement in the light of the evidence sent to him on this matter by the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley.

Dr. Summerskill

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to a Question from my hon Friend the Member for Gloucestershire, West (Mr. Watkinson) on 24th October.—[Vol. 898, c.283–4.]