§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with the Prison Officers Association concerning the practicability and cost of his programme for penal changes, announced in Blackpool in October.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend has agreed to meet representatives of the Prison Officers Association next month, but the conduct of industrial relations in the Prison Service is a matter for the director 133W general. It will be for the latter to arrange for Prison Service trade unions to be consulted about any matters arising from the implementation of the policies he announced in so far as they may affect the Prison Service and are appropriate for consultation.