§ Baroness Mallalieuasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the average level of prisoners' pay (a) nationally and (b) at Her Majesty's Prison Drake Hall in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 respectively.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord William of Mostyn)Figures for average rates of prisoner pay nationally are not now specified or collated centrally. Governors determine the allocation of resources for their establishments within overall totals, including rates of pay.
For most establishments, the starting point for calculating rates of pay is an average of about £7 a week. However, rates will vary in the light of the resources, amount and type of work available, incentives and earned privileges schemes in operation, and other factors at each establishment.
14WAThe average rates of pay at Her Majesty's Prison Drake Hall for the years concerned were:
Year £ 1994–95 6.27 1995–96 6.77 1996–97 6.54 19971 6.80 1To 30 November 1997. At present, the range of pay at Her Majesty's Prison Drake Hall is from about £5.50 to about £11.00 per week.