HC Deb 02 May 1986 vol 96 c538W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the secretary of State for the Home Department what categories of job are performed by the 3,000 custodial officers working in the prison department.

Mr. Mellor

There is no group of staff so designated within the prison department.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many weeks a prison officer's official training lasts.

Mr. Mellor

Initial training normally lasts for 14 weeks and consists of a three-week attachment to an establishment; a nine-week residential course; and two weeks induction at the establishment to which the officer is posted.