HC Deb 25 October 1982 vol 29 c279W
Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to increase the facilities for prisoners to undertake outside employment while in prison with a view to assisting rehabilitation and offsetting the costs of the prison service by remuneration for these earnings.

Mr. Mayhew:

Prisoners are already so employed both from prisons and from pre-release employment scheme hostels whenever suitable opportunities occur. At a time of high unemployment however, there is little scope for increasing the numbers in either scheme.