§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Maze, are still in compounds; how many have transferred in recent years to cellular accommodation; and what efforts are made to encourage such transfers.
§ Mr. John PattenOn 14 February 1982 there were 335 prisoners housed in compound accommodation at Her Majesty's prison, Maze. Of these, 287 were special category prisoners; the remainder provide the work force which services the compound prison.
Four prisoners in 1979, none in 1980, seven in 1981 and one so far this year have sought transfer to the cellular prison. All special category prisoners are aware that if they decide to relinquish special category status they will be given every assistance to do so, but no special inducements are offered to prisoners to move to cells.
§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) craft instructors and (b) teachers are currently employed at Her Majesty's prison, Maze; what range of instruction is given; what subjects are taught; how many prisoners take advantage of these facilities; and what is the current cost on a monthly basis.
§ Mr. John PattenThere are 11 craft instructors and four full-time and 40 part-time teachers employed at Her Majesty's prison, Maze. The range of instruction covers Royal Society of Arts stages 1 and 2, City and Guilds of London Institute from basic skills to part 2 craft, "0" and "A" level General Certificate of Education examinations and Open University examinations.
The subjects taught include bricklaying, painting and decorating, plastering, general building operatives, horticulture, electrical appliance repair, motor body repair, motor vehicle repair, welding, business studies, English, French, German, Irish, economics, geography, history, mathematics, music, religious studies, sociology, art, furniture craft practice, handicrafts, technical drawing, community studies, cultural studies, ornithology, health education, physical education, and remedial education.
Approximately 500 prisoners at Maze prison currently participate in training and education. The monthly cost of instructors' and teachers' salaries is about &£14,000.
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§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what repairs are currently being carried out at the H-blocks at Her Majesty's prison, Maze, which were involved in the "dirty protest"; when it is hoped to complete them; and how much they will cost.
§ Mr. John PattenFour H-blocks at Her Majesty's prison, Maze cellular were affected by the protest. One block has been vacated and work has commenced on replacing cell doors and windows and lifting existing floors for relaying. Routine maintenance—tiling and roof repairs—is to be undertaken at the same time.
This work will be completed in about two months' time and the cost, excluding prison and departmental staff time, is estimated at &£40,000. Similar work is to be undertaken in the other three blocks in due course.
§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners are still refusing to conform to prison regulations at Her Majesty's prison, Maze; and what remission they are losing.
§ Mr. John PattenOn 11 February there were 254 prisoners at Her Majesty's prison, Maze refusing to work. Each prisoner loses 10 days remission for every 28 days he refuses to work.