HC Deb 28 July 1997 vol 299 c1W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are being used to evaluate the options for Operation Quantum. [10100]

Ms Quin

The suppliers' proposals were evaluated using a number of criteria under the headings business fit, viability and commercial assessment.

The criteria for the evaluation of the options within the proposals remain to be defined. They will include the closest attention to the proposals' impact on Prison Service staff.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many options are currently being considered in regard to Operation Quantum which are either(a) privately run, (b) mixed economy and (c) in partnership; and what assessment he had made of the most cost-effective option. [10090]

Ms Quin

This information is treated as commercial in confidence, being part of a competitive procurement between a number of suppliers.

No assessment has yet been made of the cost-effectiveness of any of the options.