§ Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to alleviate over-crowding at Walton prison, Liverpool; what steps are being taken to overcome the complaints of the prison officers; and when the report of the committee of inquiry will be published.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe overcrowding at Liverpool prison reflects the continuing pressure on the prison system generally. Some relief should become available when the new training prison of Wymott begins to receive prisoners in the near future. The complaints of prison officers at Liverpool relate to a claim for further payments for breakfast breaks. The Prison Officers' Association has submitted such a claim on behalf of all prison officers to the committee of inquiry into the108W United Kingdom prison services. As to the committee's report I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. Stallard) on 21 February—[Vol. 963, c. 182–3.]