§ 31. Mr. Forthasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he proposes to reduce the use of overtime in prisons.
§ Mr. MellorCurrent plans include the recruitment by April 1988 of nearly 2,300 extra staff to enable overtire levels to be reduced. Measures are also being taken to encourage the more efficient deployment of existing staff.
§ 32. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to combat drug trafficking in prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe are improving the quality of the information available centrally about the incidence of drugs in prisons.
We have increased the complement of specially trained dogs from 28 to 40, and this will enable wider programmes of searching to be undertaken.
We are improving staff training on drugs. A new training package aimed specifically at the problems and needs of the prison service is currently being developed for issue to all prison department establishments.