HC Deb 24 April 1989 vol 151 c400W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present prison officer staffing level at Wandsworth prison; what was the level set out in the Brisco report; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The number of officers in post at Wandsworth prison on 17 April and the staffing levels recommended in the report of the regional manpower team to which the hon. Member refers are as follows:

Recommended In post 17 April
Discipline staff
officers 302 302
principal and senior officers 57 44
Specialist staff
officers 78 72
principal and senior officers 28 19

There is likely to be some increase in the number of staff in post at Wandsworth as more officers are recruited to the service over the next few months.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last discussed prison officer staffing levels with the Governor of Wandsworth prison; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Staffing levels are discussed in the normal course between governors and regional management. Staffing at Wandsworth was also discussed by the governor and senior prison service officials during the industrial dispute earlier this year.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether extra prison officers were allocated to Wandsworth prison on 1 April under the national agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Staff required for 1989–90 under the terms of the fresh start framework agreement were recruited nationally before 1 April. The allocation to individual establishments is made on the basis of an assessment by management of their relative need. Wandsworth is likely to see some increase in the number of staff in post in the coming months.