§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of vacancies now existing for prison officers within the prison service.
§ Mr. CarlisleSo far as concerns England and Wales, my right hon. Friend's practice is to set a target for 329W each financial year; and I am glad to say that the number of recruits this year is now about 300 above the current target. A high rate of recruitment is likely to be needed for some years to come.