HC Deb 06 March 1979 vol 963 c633W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the average weekly earnings of prisoners in England and Wales;

(2) what are the average earnings of (a) prisoners doing non-industrial work paid on a flat rate, (b) a prisoner doing industrial work on piece rates, and (c) a prisoner working under the special incentive pay scheme; and to how many prisoners the latter applies.

Dr. Summerskill

Average weekly earnings of inmates of prisons in England and Wales over a recent representative period were £1.24. For the groups specified the corresponding figures are (a) £1.02; (b) £1.43; (c) £2.04.

About 2,800 inmates are in the last group. Ad hoc incentive schemes apply to a further 1,500 inmates with average weekly earnings of £1.62.