Cost-cutting measures get to Catalonia jails, no snacks for prisoners

Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia is to cease giving evening snacks to prisoners in its jails as part of cost-cutting measures aimed at tackling the country's crippling economic crisis.

A regional justice department spokeswoman said Wednesday that inmates would no longer receive the customary evening piece of fruit or pastry as part of measures aimed at saving some 2 million euros ($2.5 million) a year.

She said juvenile center inmates have been exempted.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with department regulations, said the prisoners would continue to receive three meals a day and rations would not be reduced.

Other measures include doubling the price of meals for guards to 6 euros. Spain is in double-dip recession with a swollen deficit and near 25 percent unemployment.