§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the conclusions of the Prison Board in respect of the long-term future of Prison Industries, following its review of the short and medium-term prospects.
§ Mr. MellorI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Mr. Wheeler) on 12 July at column560. The message to staff from the director general of the prison service made it clear that the proposals for rationalisation do not signal a reduced commitment on the part of Ministers or the Prison Board to prison industries. On the contrary they are designed to provide a sounder base from which to improve, and consolidate, the contribution that industries can, and do, make to the running of establishments and the occupation of inmates. The detailed application of these principles will be considered in the light of the review which my right hon. and learned Friend has announced.