Mr. ANDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether a director of prison industries has yet been appointed; what are to be his main duties; and if it is intended that Government Departments and local authorities are to be encouraged to place orders for goods made in His Majesty's prisons?
§ Sir J. SIMONA director of prison industries was appointed on 1st October, 1934. His main duty is the reorganisation of prison industries on the general lines recommended by the Departmental Committee on the Employment of Prisoners. As regards the last part of the question, it is of course desirable that prisoners should be usefully employed, and the most suitable source of work is found in Government Departments and other public authorities.