asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men from Leicester prison are going out to work on farms; what application has been made to him for more labour to be sent from the prison; and when he proposes to send additional help to agriculture.

At present 30 prisoners from this prison are working on farms. The prison authorities are anxious, if possible, to increase the number of prisoners so employed, and will do so to the extent that men are available who are fit for such work and can be trusted to work outside the prison and that staff is available for their supervision.

Whilst I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask if it is true that the Leicester Agricultural Executive Committee have pleaded for more men; and could he urge upon the authorities at Leicester prison to do all they can to send out such men as can be reasonably spared?

The real limiting factor at the moment is shortage of staff. I am desirous, and so are the prison authorities at Leicester, that as many suitable men as possible should be used, but the staff is inadequate.