CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the Government’s report.

The Committee notes that sections 30(3) and 31 of the Prisons Ordinance provides for prisoners sentenced to imprisonment to be employed at such work as shall be prescribed by regulation. The Committee notes further that section 51(1) of the Prisons Ordinance authorizes the governor in executive council to make regulations for the employment of prisoners either within or outside the prison in which they may be confined. The Committee recalls that, under Article 2, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, prison work must be carried out under the supervision and control of a public authority, and prisoners may not be hired to or placed at the disposal of private individuals, companies or associations. The Committee asks the Government to supply the text of regulations relating to the employment of prisoners, and to provide information on the steps taken to ensure that, under such regulations, work is exacted from prisoners only under those conditions prescribed by the Convention, as specified above.