§ Lord Graham of Edmontonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the proposed changes in the operation of prison industries will result in fewer opportunities for employment in prisons and whether these changes are compatible with the therapeutic and rehabilitation needs of prisoners or with the increasing burden placed on prison officers.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Glenarthur)The changes referred to by the noble Lord were fully explained in the reply given to a Question by my noble friend Lord Morris on 25th March [HL Debates, col. 1491]. The inmates affected will be reallocated to other workshops, to other forms of employment within prisons, or to educational or other training courses. There will consequently be no reduction in worthwhile activity for inmates. In general terms the changes will not affect the therapeutic or rehabilitative content of prison regimes and should result in a net decrease in the burden on prison officers.