HC Deb 23 March 2004 vol 419 cc791-2W
Mr. David

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the timescale is for the introduction of the new National Offender Management Service. [161641]

Paul Goggins

An implementation team has been established and is currently preparing a detailed programme of work.

The changes will take some time to work through. The National Offender Management Service will come into being from 1 June 2004 and it is anticipated that it will have become fully functional by 2008–09.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are for the management of the(a) juvenile and (b) high security prison estate under the new National Offender Management Service. [160859]

Paul Goggins

As the Government report "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" makes clear, the Youth Justice Board will remain as a Non-Departmental Public Body with responsibility to the Home Secretary.

The management of the high security prison estate is being considered by the National Offender Management Service, implementation team as part of the wider implementation strategy.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation took place with relevent trade unions prior to the publication of the document Managing Offenders, Reducing Crime. [160896]

Paul Goggins

Patrick Carter's report Managing Offenders-Reducing Crime was an independent review of the Correctional Services. The Government's response 'Reducing Crime-Changing Lives' sought views from key stakeholders.

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take in the light of the Bichard Inquiry to ensure that relevant information is(a) collected by the National Offender Management Service and (b) shared with appropriate agencies.[161164]

Paul Goggins

Arrangements for the collection of data within the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and the sharing of data with other appropriate agencies is being considered by the NOMS implementation team.

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publicise the Business Case for the National Offender Management Service. [161172]

Paul Goggins

The case for the establishment of a National Offender Management Service is outlined in Patrick Carter's independent report "Managing Offenders—Reducing Crime" published along with the Government response "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" on 6 January 2004.