Prison Service

HC Deb 29 April 1976 vol 910 cc143-4W

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will give details of those cuts in the prison service which will have an effect on prisoners;

(2) how many prison workshops have been closed or are now open for a shorter period as a result of recent economies; at what prisons; and whether any further cuts are proposed;

(3) how many classes for prisoners have been closed or reduced as a result of recent economies, and at what prisons; and whether any further cuts are proposed;

(4) how many prisons have had the exercise periods for prisoners reduced as a result of recent economies; by what amount, and at what prisons; and whether any further cuts are proposed;

(5) what has been the increase in the amount of time that prisoners are locked up in their cells; what is now the total time so locked up as a result of recent economies; and whether any further cuts are proposed which will increase the time spent locked up.

Mr. John

The economies to which my hon. Friend refers did not come into operation until the beginning of April and so the detailed arrangements to give effect to them are still being implemented. In any event, their impact will necessarily vary from establishment to establishment, both in the light of local commitments and responsibilities, and of discussion between governors and their staff. Where adjustments in the régime of an establishment prove to be necessary, these will not affect statutory responsibilities, such as exercise periods. Nor is the permanent closure of any workshop under consideration.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if there has been any delay in the appearance at courts of prisoners on remand as a result of recent economies or prison officer action, or both; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this.

Mr. John

There have been some recent delays in the production of prisoners to certain courts following action by prison officers. The courts concerned have been kept fully informed of difficulties which have arisen in this respect and every effort has been made to minimise the consequential inconvenience.