HC Deb 08 May 2000 vol 349 cc306-7W
Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to bring the Prisoners' Earnings Act 1996 into force; and if he will make a statement. [120688]

Mr. Boateng

I am determined that as many prisoners as possible should make a contribution to their keep. Officials will be reporting shortly on the outcome of work they have been doing on the extent to which the Prisoners' Earnings Act 1996 can contribute to this objective and I will then consider the options.