§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Home Secretary whether the stokers and other employés engaged in and about prisons in the Metropolitan area are allowed to be members of their respective trade unions; what methods are employed for recruiting men for this service, whether from Employment Exchanges or through application to the Prison Commissioners; what machinery is in existence for the fixing of wages and conditions of service; and what are the wages paid to such stokers and workmen other than warders and officials?
Mr. HENDERSONNo temporary officer is ever asked whether he belongs to a trade union. Appointment of temporary officers rests with the governors of the prisons, who, if necessary, apply to the local Employment Exchange to fill vacancies. "Free" workmen, (i.e., those employed on buildings, etc.) are paid at rates observed for the trade in the district. Others (i.e., temporary officers engaged as stokers, night patrols, etc.) receive payment at the rate of 4s. a day, plus a bonus varying from 3s. to about 3s. 3d. a day. The pay of temporary officers is fixed by the Treasury.