asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to recruit more staff for Gartree Prison, Leicestershire, in order to reduce the hours at present being worked.

Prison officers are recruited on a national basis and their allocation has to have regard to the relative needs of all establishments. The needs of Gartree prison will not be overlooked in the allocation of recruits now under training.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that overtime is regularly being worked at Gartree Prison by the staff amounting to 40 hours a week, and in some cases to over 60 hours a week, and would he not agree that this is an intolerable burden which can lead only to stall discontent and a lack of efficiency?

In regard to the figures the average overtime worked at Gartree Prison within recent weeks has dropped to between 14 to 18 hours a week. The highest peak it ever reached was 28 hours per week early in October. I agree with my hon. Friend that we want to do all we can to increase the staff available at Gartree and other prisons.