HC Deb 31 January 1985 vol 72 c237W
14. Mr. Maude

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement about the use of overtime in prisons.

Mr. Mellor

Overtime working by prison officers in the current year is expected to cost nearly £97 million. Prison officers are working on average about 16½ hours overtime each week. This places a severe strain on them and their families and my right hon. and learned Friend is determined to use any reasonable way which can be found of reducing it.