§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the arrangement between Premier Prisons Services and his Department for the employment of prisoners at Her Majesty's Prison Lowdham Grange, Nottingham; and how many other such arrangements are proposed, where and with whom. [73173]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe aim is to generate work for the certified normal accommodation of 500 prisoners at Lowdham Grange prison. Approximately 150 prisoners are employed on jobs servicing the prison such as in the kitchens, cleaning and gardening. There is capacity for 350 prisoners at the industrial complex within the prison. At present, some 250 prisoners are employed at the complex on work for five different companies. The work consists of coat hanger recycling, paper hat manufacture for the catering industry, welding, painting model soldiers and folding and enveloping charity bags. Premier Prison Services Ltd. manages the prison and is actively seeking work for the remaining 100 prisoners from other companies in the locality.
Premier Prison Services' policy, which is in line with that of the Prison Service, is to seek work for prisoners which is not economically viable elsewhere, cannot be done in the United Kingdom or cannot be organised by a company due to restrictions on its premises or labour force.
The industrial complex at Lowdham Grange is operated on a cost recovery basis and, should any profit be generated, it would be returned to the prisoners' amenities fund.