§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to discuss with representatives of the prison officers their current working conditions, and what his plans are to increase prison officer recruitment.
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions has he had with the Prison Officers' Association on future wage policies for prison officers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe next review of prison officers' pay and related conditions of employment will be governed by the pay code for stage 3 of the Government's counter-inflation programme. Proposals for this were published recently 279W and my right hon. Friend met representatives of the Prison Officers' Association on 16th October to acquaint himself with their views on them. He cannot anticipate the outcome of the next review.
Recruitment methods are kept under constant review in an endeavour to increase the number of suitable candidates.