§ 20. Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the likely savings during 1986–87 from contracting out of services by the prison authorities.
§ Mr. MellorThe cost of services contracted out by the prison department in 1984–85—the latest financial year for which figures are available—was £55 million. Because most of the work has been contracted out for a number of years, we cannot provide a sensible estimate of the savings involved.
§ Mr. ThurnhamDoes my hon. Friend agree that the use of more contracted-out services should not only lead to more savings but reduce the likelihood of industrial disputes?
§ Mr. MellorAs a general principle, I am sure that there is a great deal in what my hon. Friend says. He will know of the special difficulties in the prison service, part of which is that a number of prison services are provided for the benefit of the regime by the prisoners themselves.
§ Mr. HoyleCan the Minister say what savings have been made by allowing 49 prison officers' houses in Culcheth, Warrington to stand empty for the last five years?
§ Mr. MellorNot without notice, Sir.