HC Deb 28 February 1963 vol 672 c202W
71. Mr. Dance

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hours a week are at present worked by men in Birmingham Prison; and what steps are being taken to increase this.

Mr. Brooke

Of 710 convicted prisoners on 22nd February, 677 were available for work. 403 were employed in workshops for 18 hours a week or less, and 73 for 28 to 30 hours. 122 were employed for 25 to 35 hours and 79 for 40 hours or more on work connected with prisons.

I attach great importance to the improvement of prisoners' working hours in the 26 closed local prisons, of which Birmingham is one. It depends largely on the reduction of the number of prisoners in them and an increase in their staffs. To this end a large prison building programme and a vigorous recruiting drive for prison officers are being undertaken.