HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc622-3W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken, are being taken, or are proposed to be taken, to provide productive employment for prisoners whilst serving their sentences.

Mr. John

I refer the hon. Member to table 10.5 in the report on the work of the Prison Department 1976 (Statistical Tables) (Cmnd. 6884). The value of goods and services produced by prison workshops and farms and gardens in the last financial year was about £23.5 million. If there is any particular point on which the hon. Member requires further information I shall be happy to make this available.