§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average amount of time spent by a prisoner in his cell each day; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThis information is not collated centrally. The daily routine for prisoners varies widely depending on the role of the establishment and other factors. The prisons board statement of the functions of establishments makes clear to governors that a continuing objective is to enable prisoners to spend the maximum possible time out of their cells.
§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of Stale for the Home Department how many prisoners have the opportunity of working or learning new skills in prison; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe most recent figures available provide estimation of the number of prisoners engaged in work, education or training courses during 1987, based on the average number so employed per weekday in male establishments. There are no available figures for female establishments. The figures are detailed in the table:
Numbers Vocational/Trade Training 2,460 Other Full-time Education 3,590 Pre-release Courses 440 Industrial Farms or Gardens 10,140 Other Work 15,190 Total 31,820 The opportunities for prisoners to participate are subject to constraints such as the availability of work, staffing requirements, existing facilities and regimes in establishments and the suitability of inmates for particular activities.
The prison department attaches great importance to training, education and work experience for inmates as this helps individuals reach their full potential and eventually to play a more constructive role in custody and after release.
In addition to the acquisition of accredited skills in vocational training courses, further consideration is presently being given to the greater integration of learning opportunities and work experience.
§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to allow private companies to employ prisoners in prison; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have no plans for private companies directly to employ prisoners in prison workshops. Under the existing arrangements, a significant source of employment for prisoners is light assembly work for private companies, with the prison service providing the labour in prison workshops, but the private companies supplying the materials and equipment and distributing the finished goods.