§ 43. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men are now in prison in England and Wales; what is the average cost per week of keeping a man in prison, giving food costs separately; what are the average weekly earnings by prisoners in prison; how many are working for outside employers, through the hostel scheme and otherwise; what are their weekly earnings; and what plans he has for extending the hostel scheme and providing other useful work.
§ Mr. CarlisleOn 15th June there were 27,420 men in prison; in 1968–69 the average cost was £21 17s. 5d. per week, including 17s. 11d. on food but excluding the costs of new buildings, rent, rates and building maintenance. The average weekly earnings of prisoners in the first quarter of 1970, 7s. 3d.; about 370 men are in the pre-release employment scheme and they earn the local rate for their 87W particular job; no average figure is available. My right hon. Friend is reviewing the position.