Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Robinson Excerpts

Tuesday 24th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Simon Hoare (North Dorset) (Con)]

6. What steps the Government are taking to recruit more prison staff.

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

17. What steps the Government are taking to recruit more prison staff.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Gyimah]

I am aware that my hon. Friend takes a keen interest in Guys Marsh, his local prison. I assure him that Guys Marsh has been made a priority prison, which means that the governor is getting extra resource, in addition to our national campaign effort, to recruit the staff he needs.

[Mary Robinson]

Many of my constituents work in the Prison Service and I was contacted recently by one constituent who has worked in it for more than 23 years. He was concerned about the morale among his fellow officers and cited recent riots. What assurances can the Minister give me that those who serve on the frontline are able to work safely and with the appropriate staffing numbers?

[Mr Gyimah]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: prison officers are some of our finest and bravest public servants, and we want them to be able to work in safe conditions. That is why we are tackling the scourge of drones, drugs and phones in our prisons, and recruiting more staff so that they can work in a safe environment.