§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts there are currently between his Department and UK Detention Services; what was the starting date of each contract; what is the completion date for each contract; and if he will make a statement.[38665]
§ Ms QuinThe Home Office currently has one contract with the United Kingdom Detention Services which was placed by the Prison Service and is for the management of Blakenhurst Prison. The contract commenced on 26 May 1993 and was initially to run for five years, but has since been extended until 25 May 2001 as announced in a reply given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedford (Mr. Hall) on 19 June 1997,Official Report, columns 247–49.