§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in his negotiations with the Prison Officers Association.
§ Mr. BrittanA number of meetings have been held between officials and representatives of the Prison Officers Association to discuss, in the context of a new duty system, proposals to bring the present dispute to an end. These talks have been constructive. It is understood that the Prison Officers Association is to hold a delegate conference on 16 and 17 December to review its position and to discuss proposals put to it which have now been circulated to its members. The central feature of the proposals is a new duty system based on a 42 gross hour working week, including meal breaks.