HC Deb 05 November 1987 vol 121 c825W
57. Mr. Stott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the present conditions in Her Majesty's prisons.

Mr. John Patten

Overcrowding, especially in local prisons and remand centres, creates substantial difficulties for management and staff in maintaining satisfactory conditions. We are working to improve conditions through our major programmes for new prisons and refurbishment of existing establishments, the recruitment of more officers and fundamental changes in working practices under fresh start.