HC Deb 27 January 1993 vol 217 cc711-2W
Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what have been the costs incurred by prison establishments and prison headquarters in mounting the exercise "competing for quality" in connection with competitive tendering in prison education.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The need for competitive tendering for the future provision of education services in prison establishments is consequent upon the changes in the responsibilities of local education authorities under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The exercise is also wholly consistent with the Government's policy on competition.

Information on the staffing and other costs that have been incurred in establishments is not held centrally. In establishments and at prison service headquarters for the most part existing resources have been re-deployed to undertake the exercise. The current estimate of those additional costs which can be identified is £96,000. This comprises consultancy costs, legal costs, staff and travel and subsistence costs, the hire of accommodation, photocopying and postage.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision was made for prison education in 1992–93; what are the forecast costs for 1993–94; which vote will bear the costs of the 1993–94 provision; and what forecast he has made of the change in the number of hours of education provided in 1993–94 over 1992–93.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Provision for prison education in England and Wales is as shown:

Budget 1992–93 £ million Provisional budget 1993–94 £ million
33.3 35.5

The 1993–94 costs will be borne on the prisons, England and Wales vote, class VIII, vote 2. The provisional budget for 1993–94 is based on maintaining the existing volume of education provision.

Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) which organisations will be contracted to provide education in prisons between 1 April and 30 September;

(2) which organisations will be contracted to provide education in Her Majesty's prison Maidstone between 1 April and 30 September; for how many prisoners classes will be provided; and what will be the average number of hours education per prisoner per week.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The information is not yet available. Existing providers of education in prison establishments have been asked to let the prison service know by 29 January whether or not they are willing to continue with present arrangements until 31 August 1993.