HC Deb 17 February 1995 vol 254 cc841-2W
Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the International Labour Organisation convention on forced labour in prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 17 February 1995: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question on what representations he has received concerning the International Labour Organisation convention on forced labour in prisons. We have received from the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Committee of Experts observations on representations submitted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) concerning ILO Convention 29 on forced or compulsory labour.

Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the technical and practical difficulties of compulsory drug testing in Her Majesty's prisons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 17 February 1995: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question concerning representations received on the technical and practical difficulties of compulsory drug testing in prisons. No specific representations have been received on this matter by the Secretary of State. Two organisations raised issues concerning the potential operational and practical difficulties associated with drug testing within prisons at routine meetings with Ministers last year. I have received recently one letter which highlights similar concerns. The difficulties associated with drug testing within prison have been examined in depth by the project team set up to implement mandatory drug testing for prisoners. Procedures developed for this are currently being introduced initially in eight prison establishments. Lessons learnt during this phase will help ensure the effective implementation of the drug testing programme in the remaining establishments.