§ Mr. Wallerasked the Paymaster General if he will introduce legislation to amend section 29 of the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978 so as to entitle members of boards of prison visitors to take time off during working hours to perform their duties as prison visitors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo. I am afraid that increasing the range of circumstances in which employers are obliged by law to give time off could increase the burdens on employers and have an adverse impact on their ability to provide employment. This small change could give rise to pressure for others and I am not aware of any evidence that such legislation is needed to enable boards of prison visitors to fulfil their duties effectively.