HC Deb 25 June 1991 vol 193 c418W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many uniformed staff, other than night patrols and auxiliary officers, were in post at Castington youth custody centre when it commenced Fresh Start working in August 1987; and how many are currently in post.

Mrs. Rumbold

The number of prison officers, including principal and senior officers and specialists, in post at Her Majesty's young offender institution Castington was 118 when it commenced "fresh start" working in August 1987. There are currently 136 officers in post.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional staff were due to be provided to Castington youth custody centre by April 1991 and April 1992, respectively; and what steps are being taken to meet their staffing requirements.

Mrs. Rumbold

The target for the number of prison officers, including principal and senior officers and specialists, to be in post at Her Majesty's young offender institution Castington by 31 March 1991 was 136, an increase of three on the number of officers who were in post on 1 April 1990. This target was achieved. The current target staffing figure is 137 and during 1991–92 the area manager will be keeping this figure under review taking into account factors such as the work load of the establishment and the scope for achieving improvements in efficiency.