§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement as to what feasibility schemes have been considered by his Department prior to the introduction of Fresh Start; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe Fresh Start proposals followed consideration of the report by a joint team of prison service personnel and PA Management Consultants on shift and complementing arrangements for prison officers. Since then, considerable development work has been undertaken by experienced operational staff—including refinement exercises at eight further establishments—which has confirmed the feasibility of the proposals. Preparatory work due to begin in establishments next month will further help their development.