§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Home Office trade unions are not given access to the full prison board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorA meeting with the full prison board would be outside both the formal Whitley machinery and the usual arrangements for the informal conduct of business between the prison department of the Home Office and the Home Office trade unions. The executive members of the prisons board are expected, within their respective areas of responsibility, to consult fully with the trade unions through these channels and to ensure that the board is informed of relevant views.