§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost to public funds of the recent Prison Officers' Association dispute.
§ Mr. MayhewNo final estimate of costs is yet possible. Provision was taken in a Supplementary Estimate for £13 million to cover the cost of the prison officers' dispute, on the assumption that it would be possible to resume normal working sooner than has proved to be the case. Estimates of the cost of the dispute are now being revised in the light of events.