HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 cc913-4W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacancies there are for prison officers in prisons in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [35327]

Beverley Hughes

On 31 January 2002 there were 866 vacancies for prison officer grades in England and Wales. Recruitment is currently running in the areas of greatest need, with a programme of recruitment throughout 2002–03.