§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of the proposals invited for the construction of private urban remand centres and open prisons emanate from non-United Kingdom companies; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what proportion of submitted proposals for the construction of private urban remand centres and open prisons involves the conversion of existing property; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggAll but one of some 40 invitations to submit proposals for the construction of urban remand centres and open prisons were sent to companies registered in the United Kingdom. An advertisement was also placed in the ECjournal, and a press release was sent to national newspapers and trade journals, It is not possible to say what proportion of the proposals may involve the conversion of existing property until the responses have been received and analysed.