asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list those companies which have had commercial contract work carried out by prisoners at Her Majesty's prison, Stafford, over the last three years, together with the nature of such work, and the value of each contract; on what basis payment to prisoners is set; how much they are paid; how many prisoners are engaged in such work; and when was the last time payment was increased.

The following firms have had major contracts undertaken at Stafford prison over the last three years:

• Britwood Toys Ltd.
• Polyfit Ltd. (Pazzity Ltd.)
• Promar Ltd.

Minor work has also been undertaken for a number of other commercial firms. Information on prices and quantities is commercially confidential.Over 150 inmates have been engaged on this work and were paid on the standard piecework scheme, the average payment currently being £2·45 per week. Inmates' earnings rates are reviewed annually, the last increase taking effect from 1 October 1984.