Prisoners' Earnings (Hansard, 18 April 1990)

§ Mr. Rees
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the average weekly earnings of prisoners in England and Wales.

§ Mr. Mellor
Following a recent increase in inmates' earnings, it is estimated that average weekly pay in 1990–91 for inmates in England and Wales (including those who are unoccupied) will be about £2.80. All convicted inmates, as well as those unconvicted inmates who offer themselves for work, receive a basic weekly payment of £1.75 whether occupied or not. A range of flat-rate, piece-rate and incentive pay schemes provide opportunities to earn up to a maximum of £5.87 per week in certain workshops and kitchens.

§ Mr. Rees
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is(a) the average and (b) the maximum weekly earnings of a prisoner undertaking group I, group II and group III employment, respectively.

§ Mr. Mellor
With effect from 9 April 1990, the weekly rates under the flat rate scheme for inmates in England and Wales are as follows:

Average £ Maximum £

Group I 2.95 3.55

Group II 2.75 3.35

Group III 2.55 3.15

§ Mr. Rees
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the hourly overtime rate for prisoners' work.

§ Mr. Mellor
The rate is 8p.

§ Mr. Rees
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the weekly rate of earnings paid to prisoners for whom no work is available.

§ Mr. Mellor
With effect from 9 April 1990, £1.75.

	Average £	Maximum £
Group I	2.95	3.55
Group II	2.75	3.35
Group III	2.55	3.15