§ Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress so far made in contracting out to private tender ancillary services within the prison department.
§ Mr. MellorOur aim is to contract out ancillary services to the private sector where it can be clearly demonstrated that it would be economically advantageous to do so, and where security conditions permit. Examples include contracts with the private sector for the movement of both prisoners and freight and the repair of vehicles the value of which is currently of the order of £6 million. In the principle training centres night security, catering and all domestic services are contracted out, and in many prison establishments services including hair cutting, window cleaning, refuse collection, dry cleaning, pest control and some laundry services are provided by means of private tender.