HC Deb 20 June 1996 vol 279 cc538-9W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff inquiries about the exit package in the Prison Service have been received; how many staff will be taking the package during the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [33446]

Miss Widdecombe

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 David Scott to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 20 June 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about exit packages from the Prison Service. Just over 3,600 staff have applied to be considered for voluntary early retirement or severance. Earlier this year, business plans produced by governors and heads of headquarters groups and units indicated a likely net loss of about 1,500 posts during 1996–97. However, some proposals are being reviewed in the light of changing circumstances. It is not yet possible to say, therefore, exactly how many staff will be offered, and will accept, the exit package during this financial year. We aim to start letting staff know the outcome of their applications shortly.

Mr. Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average number of days spent on training by prison staff during 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [33440]

Miss Widdecombe

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 David Scott to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 20 June 1996: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General, to reply to your recent Question about the average number of days spent on training by prison staff during 1995/96. In 1995/96, the Prison Service monitored staff training for prison officer grades. For these grades, the Service achieved an average of 6.2 days training per member of staff. In 1996/97, the Service is monitoring the training of all of its staff, and is committed through a new Key Performance Indicator to achieve an average of at least six days training per member of staff.