§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decisions have been taken about the renewal of the contract of HM Chief Inspector of 439W Prisons when the present contract expires; and if he will recommend the re-appointment of Sir David Ramsbotham for a further term. [158377]
§ Mr. BoatengSir David Ramsbotham was appointed for a period of five years, which expired on 30 November 2000. The terms of his appointment allow it to be extended for a maximum period of three years by mutual agreement. Sir David accepted an extension of his appointment until the end of July 2001. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 9 June last year that Sir David would retire on that date, 9 June 2000,Official Report, column 392W, and on 14 November that the post of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons would be advertised in the New Year, Official Report, column 638W. We are recruiting a successor to Sir David in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action was taken by(a) him, (b) his officials and (c) the Director of the Prison Service on receipt of Sir David Ramsbotham's recommendation that no more children should be admitted to two specified wings of the Stoke Heath Young Offenders' Institution to ensure that this recommendation was immediately complied with; what changes were introduced in conditions in those wings; and if children are now again being admitted to the two wings. [158375]
§ Mr. BoatengHer Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons inspected Stoke Heath in October last year following a difficult period of change. At the time a new governor had just been appointed. With the support of a new management team she immediately began overhauling the regime. Substantial improvements have been made which enable Stoke Heath to continue taking juvenile offenders. In particular
The numbers of adjudications and applications (i.e. requests and complaints) have fallen since October.The report counted with alleged assaults all incidents needing completions of an injury or near miss form. The total has been halved.A new anti-bullying unit, supported by confidential questionnaires, is dealing with unacceptable behaviour.In-cell television has been introduced, leading to a marked improvement in behaviour and in the management of vulnerable trainees. Fewer trainees are harming themselves and there is much less shouting between cells.First Night Care Officers have been introduced to deal with newly-arrived trainees.Stoke Heath is meeting and exceeding Prison Service accredited education targets.The Prison Service and the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (which is responsible for commissioning and purchasing place for young people in the juvenile secure estate) carefully monitor the establishment's progress, and would take further corrective action should it prove necessary.