Home Secretary David Blunkett today admitted there were "serious problems" at Lewes prison.

Prison governor Paul Carroll used an official visit by Mr Blunkett to demand extra investment in the jail, which has the worst drugs record in England and Wales and a worrying number of cell suicides.

Mr Blunkett promised to investigate the work being done to tackle high levels of suicide and self-harm among inmates.

He revealed a "buddy scheme" could be introduced, pairing up vulnerable new prisoners with more experienced inmates.

But Mr Carroll was adamant staff efforts to improve conditions should be backed up by Government support.

Mr Blunkett said: "The prison has had serious problems but I'm confident Paul Carroll is turning things around.

"While I'm here I'll be talking to staff about avoiding self-harm and suicide. I want to see what work they're doing and how we can develop a buddying scheme to help."

Lewes prison is waiting for the results of an appraisal by the Prison Service, ahead of a decision on its funding for next year.

Mr Carroll said: "Work has already started on refurbishing B wing but now we need to look at improving the rest of the prison.

"I'm confident the director-general of the Prison Service is fully aware of what we need here.

"But I would be stupid not to use this chance to let the Home Secretary know fully and frankly our needs and push for more money."

The Prison Reform Trust found 31.6 per cent of drug tests at Lewes proved positive last year. Its report also criticised the prison for failing to provide enough "purposeful activity" for inmates.

A board of visitors report in April described conditions at the prison as Dickensian, appalling and inhumane. There have been five cell suicides there in the past 16 months.

The debate over conditions inside the jail overshadowed the purpose of the visit, to unveil a new computer system which allows inmates information about applying for jobs.

Lewes and three other prisons have been chosen to pilot the Jobpoints scheme, which links to a similar JobCentre network of computers.

Mr Blunkett said: "Research has shown prisoners are half as likely to reoffend if they have a job when they leave."