§ Mr. Hayesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that drugs training for prison officers is adequate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdI am satisfied that drugs training for prison officers which is given in different forms, nationally, regionally and locally is adequate. The prison department is, however, keeping the matter under review.
§ Mr. Hayesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison officers have received training in the detection of drugs in 1983 and 1984.
§ Mr. HurdAll new entrant prison officers — of which 1,820 have been recruited since the beginning of 1983 — receive training in drugs misuse; in addition courses are arranged regionally, and governors, often in co-operation with neighbouring police forces, arrange training locally (though the numbers taking part in this training are not available).
§ Mr. Hayesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average duration of drugs training for prison officers.
§ Mr. HurdDrugs training for prison officers other than prison hospital officers in the context of courses and seminars, varies from half a day to two days. This is often increased by varying amounts of local training.