§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the rules are concerning the rights of prison officers employed in prisons in England and Wales to take in cigarettes, alcohol, food and other items for prison inmates; and if he will make a statement; [72546]
(2) what private outside purchases paid for by the prisoners are being approved and made by prison officers at prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [72547]
§ Mr. George HowarthAll items provided to prisoners must be provided through the prison shop or the catering department only. No other external shopping on behalf of any prisoner is allowed, but the Governor may authorise shopping for ethnic minority goods where these would not otherwise be available.
210Wthose former employees by their position in his Department and their current position; and if he will make a statement. [71928]
§ Mr. StrawThe Home Office does not maintain comprehensive records on the employment destinations of members of staff who leave the Department. Subject to the constraints of the Business Appointment Rules, staff are free to seek and take employment outside the Civil Service without the need to seek permission. We are aware of 12 applications within the last two years under the rules, by staff managed by the Prison Service, for permission to work in the private sector. In the same period, elsewhere in the Department, applications were received from two former members of staff for permission to provide advice to private companies, one in connection with a project outside the United Kingdom.