HC Deb 13 March 1980 vol 980 c651W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long the woman instructor at Leeds prison has been prevented from doing the job for which she was appointed by the opposition of the prison officers; what steps he has taken to resolve this problem; what is the reason for the delay in doing this; and if he will report the action of the prison officers to the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Mr. Whitelaw

The lady in question has been prevented from doing her proper job (but has been employed on other duties) since March last year; the Department has pursued the matter vigorously with the Prison Officers' Association at national level, but the local branch has maintained its refusal to man the workshop. I understand that the Equal Opportunities Commission is already aware of the local branch's action.