HC Deb 25 October 1985 vol 84 cc266-7W
Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the underlying reasons why prison workshops have been under-utilised, and whether these reasons are being considered by the prison industries review teams.

Mr. Mellor

The reasons for under-utilisation of prison workshops are many and often interrelated. Among the main causes are changes in the population and regime at some establishments, including local prisons and youth custody centres, together with competing pressures on the staff resources available. In addition, a number of workshops in the engineering, plastic, woodwork and concrete industries are competing for a supply of work which is inadequate to justify the level of manufacturing capacity in these industries. The prison industries review teams are taking detailed account of these aspects.

Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what acceptable alternatives to useful employment in prison are being considered and what are the likely manpower and cost implications.

Mr. Mellor

The review of prison industries announced on 12 July 1985 is charged with examining how the present network of industrial workshops could be rationalised, while retaining the existing level of work and related activity for inmates. A primary aim is to increase the utilisation of remaining workshops. Alternatives to industrial 'work will vary from establishment to establishment, but include such activities as construction industry and vocational training and education, including physical education. The main objective of the review is to deploy the present considerable resources to better effect, but until the review is completed it is not possible to assess the likely manpower and cost implications. My right hon. Friend will announce the outcome of the review in due course.

Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of prison workshops at each London prison now closed due to a lack of workshop instructors.

Mr. Mellor

No precise figures can be given. Prison workshops may be closed for a day or part of a day because of the redeployment of uniformed staff, including instructors, to other duties, often arising from court commitments. These vary from day to day.