§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement of progress on his consultative document "Management Structure in Prison Department Establishment";
(2) whether he intends the assistant governor grade within the prison service to take over the role hitherto performed by principal officers; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether he intends the assistant governor grade within the prison service to take over the role hitherto performed by chief officers; and if he will make a statement;
(4) if he will make a statement on his consultations with the Prison Officers' Association regarding the structure of management within the prison service;
(5) what are the functions of the chief officer in relation to the assistant governor within the prison service; and if he will make a statement;
(6) if he will define the functions of the assistant governor grade within the prison service,; and if he will make a statement;
(7) if he has any plans to abolish the assistant governor grade within the prison service.
§ Mr. HurdThe relative roles, responsibilities and relationships of different groups of staff in the prison service, including those mentioned, are being considered in a review of management structure in prison department establishements. A consultative document on the review was issued to staff and other interests earlier this year. The comments received on the document are being considered and meetings held with the various interested trade unions, including the Prison Officers Association. A report should be submitted to the prisons board by Easter 1984. It would be premature for me to comment further before we receive the board's recommendations.