Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Graham of Edmonton (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 10 May 2007.

Prisons: Anti-corruption Squads

Question: My Lords, is there a record of the Prison Officers’ Association not merely making statements but being anxious to help the Minister to eradicate what it accepts is part of the culture in prisons? Make no mistake about it, one of the worst jobs in the country is to be a prison officer given the prison population that we have. I am sure that the Minister will receive a good response from the POA if he is positive in seeking its support.

Answer: My Lords, I could not agree more with my noble friend about the nature of the job of prison officer. My experience of prison governors in the visits that I described has been completely replicated with prison officers whom I have met, who have shown dedication and commitment in difficult times. I am quite sure that the Prison Officers’ Association will be completely co-operative in trying to fight corruption.

Secondary information