§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, when selling surplus prison housing to the occupiers, he will offer the same concessions as to council house tenants.
§ Mr. MellorNo. Instead, and after discussion with the unions concerned, we have introduced for some staff a scheme of interest-free loans to assist with house purchase. The scheme will be extended to prison officers when agreement is reached on new shift systems.