§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what complaints have been made to his Departmet by boards of visitors regarding the conditions existing in prison kitchens; and if he will list the prisons, and the action that has been taken.
§ Mr. MellorThe information required is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
I place great value on the work undertaken by boards of visitors. Any matters of concern raised or recommendations made by them, whether in their valuable, detailed annual reports or by other means are afforded very careful consideration. I can assure the hon. Member that the same careful consideration is given to any matters raised on kitchens.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is given to inmates who work in kitchens in prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorAll inmates who work in kitchens in prisons in England and Wales recieve instruction in personal hygiene and training in the safe operation and care of machinery and equipment. Establishments are also encouraged to provide formal craft training leading to recognised vocational qualifications. At the end of June 1989, a total of 45 establishments were offering 52 certified courses and a further 17 uncertificated courses. An additional 35 establishments plan to introduce formal training courses during 1990.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of senior catering officers who are fully trained and in charge of kitchens in London prisons on 5 January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorAshford and Downview employ private catering contractors. In every other London establishment the officer-in-charge of the kitchen is a fully trained caterer.