§ Mrs. Clwydasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce proposals for minimum standards in prisons.
§ Mr. MellorNo. We do not consider that a code of minimum standards for prisons would contribute to the programme the Government have in hand for improving prison conditions.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the ratio of prison officers to prisoners for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe ratio of prison officers to prisoners in England and Wales on 1 January each year was as follows:
Ratio 1982 1: 2.56 1983 1: 2.51 1984 1: 2.41 1985 1: 2.51 1986 1: 2.51