HC Deb 01 February 1994 vol 236 cc641-2W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on plans to market test the prison dog service section; and how much the exercise has cost.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 1 February 1994: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about progress with plans to market test the Prison Dog Service; and how much the exercise has cost. This market test has been suspended, as under present law contractors in directly managed prisons would be unable to exercise powers to stop and search inmates. Provision is included in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill to change this situation and plans for market testing will be re-considered when it becomes law. Work on the project is estimated to have cost approximately £10,500, mainly for two staff members temporarily allocated to it.