§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out in the Official Report the activities which are permitted in handicraft classes at Her Majesty's prison Maze, and the activities outside that list which were (a) permitted and (b) not permitted in 1979–80 and 1980–81.
§ Mr. AlisonIn Her Majesty's prison Maze (cellular) the activities which are permitted in handicraft classes supervised by teachers are: marquetry, scraper boards, mosaic work, soft toys, macrame, rug-making, canework and woodwork. In addition, the following activities are permitted in a handicrafts room supervised by prison officers: woodwork, pinboards, lollipop stick models, matchstick models, picture framing and soft toys. Work on model kits and decorating handkerchiefs may also be done in cells.
440WIn Her Majesty's prison Maze (compound), although handicafts are not organised in classes, prisoners may do woodwork, pinboards, rug-making, glass painting, decorating handkerchiefs and leather work.
Generally speaking, proposals for activities outside the above lists are considered on their merits, but leather work is not permitted in Her Majesty's prison Maze (cellular) because cell storage space is limited and metal work is not permitted for security reasons in either Her Majesty's prison Maze (cellular) or (compound).