HL Deb 11 April 1984 vol 450 cc1266-7WA
Lord Mulley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the establishment for the year 1984–85 for the prison service as compared to 1983–84; how many and which of H.M. Prisons are below establishment; and whether in the year 1984–85 the staff in H.M Prisons will be adequate to discharge all the duties required of it, including making provision for persons in custody to attend the courts as necessary.

Lord Elton

The manpower ceiling for the prison service in England and Wales in 1983–84 was 26,937; in 1984–85 it is 27,838. Despite this increase there will remain staff shortages in virtually all establishments, and the Government have already announced their intention to allow further growth of 4,649 staff in the period up to 1st April 1988 to meet certain new commitments arising during this period and to reduce the present shortage of staff. While such a shortage remains it may be necessary to leave some authorised tasks unworked, but every possible attempt will be made to ensure that prisoners are produced in court on the due dates.