asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the fact that the Prison Officers' Representative Council is not at present in existence, he will instruct the General Prisons Board to take the necessary steps to have the first election to that Council carried out.

No request has been received from prison staffs for the re-establishment of the Prison Officers' Representative Council, and I do not propose to take any steps towards, reestablishing that Council unless and until the officers concerned signify their desire for its re-establishment.