§ Sir Peter LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if women prisoners who have been employed inside prisons and give birth are paid maternity pay. [120620]
§ Mr. BoatengWomen prisoners who have been employed within prisons and give birth are paid an allowance under regulations set out in the Prisoner Pay Manual 1992 and Standing Order 6 regulations 1993. Under these regulations, scope exists for establishments to set their own rates of pay in addition to the prescribed minima. Women prisoners are entitled to child benefit if their babies remain with them. Consideration is currently being given to introducing specific maternity pay where a woman prisoner is unable to work as a consequence of pregnancy, childbirth or caring for a child.