HL Deb 26 October 1988 vol 500 cc1695-6WA
Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the names of companies or consortia which are being considered for the future management of prisons, or which have put themselves forward as managers of prisons if and when consideration is given to privatising the prison service.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

A number of firms have expressed an interest in this possibility, but it would be wrong, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to give details. There is no question of any specific proposals being invited before responses to the Green PaperPrivate Sector Involvement in the Remand System (July 1988, Cmnd. 434) have been received and considered alongside the report of the management consultants who have been engaged to study the practical aspects of the options set out in the Green Paper.