HC Deb 17 February 1986 vol 92 cc45-6W
Mr. Alex Carlile

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are employed in prison workshops; what is the average number of hours worked by each prisoner so employed; and if he will make a statement on the future prospects for prison workshops.

Mr. Mellor

In the last quarter of 1985 the average number of inmates employed in prison industrial workshops was 8,980. The average net working hours per inmate employed was 19.4 hours a week. With regard to the future of prison industries, I have as yet nothing to add to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. Fraser) on 22 January 1986 at column 218.