§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average time out of cell for(a) juvenile and (b) young adult remand prisoners in Feltham Young Offenders Institute during 1999. [110961]
§ Mr. BoatengThe amount of time individual prisoners at Feltham spend out of cell may vary according to their location within the establishment. In 1999, the average time out of cell was 3.45 hours per day for unsentenced prisoners aged under 18 years, and 3.29 hours per day for those aged 18 to 21.
As a result of a specific recruitment initiative for London and the South-East, the governor of Feltham expects to achieve full staffing levels by July, which will allow the time spent on purposeful activity and out of cell to rise.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the factors which have led to officers seeking transfer out of Feltham Young Offenders Institute. [110960]
§ Mr. BoatengThe main reason why staff leave Feltham is the high cost of living in London. To help attract new staff, the governor may offer a relocation package to help with the cost of living. Changes to the age limits for prison officer recruitment have been introduced together with an alternative entry test for those without the formal educational qualifications. The governor may, in exceptional circumstances, start new recruits above the normal starting salary.
A specific recruitment drive for London and the south-east, including Feltham, was initiated in October 1999. Applications resulting from this are still being assessed, but a large number of successful candidates are starting duty at Feltham during the first quarter of this year.