asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the handloom shop at New Hall will be retained; if so, in view of the antiquated nature of these machines, if he is satisfied that their use is likely to reduce the inmates' recidivism rate; and if he make a statement.

The handloom weaving shop at New Hall will be retained. The evaluation programme will cover re-conviction rates, but it will not be possible for this purpose to isolate particular elements of the regime. I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the Department's guidance to staff about the pilot project, which will start on 21 April 1980.