HC Deb 11 May 1989 vol 152 cc526-7W
33. Mr. Irvine

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to increase the efficiency of the prison service.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Fresh start continues to improve the efficiency of the prison service. The service is on course to achieve the initial implementation efficiencies by the end of 1989–90. Under the framework agreement, half of the hours lost in the progressive reduction in prison officers' working week to 39 hours on 1 April 1992 are being made up by efficiency improvements. A management services group supports prison service managers in achieving best value for money and a programme of efficiency reviews is undertaken. Additional initiatives, including examination of the scope for civilianisation, are also being pursued.

My right hon. Friend announced on 3 February at column 420, in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry), a review of the organisation of the service above the level of individual establishments which is charged with identifying by the end of July the scope for further improvements in effectiveness and value for money.

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