§ Lord Eltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the standard of service which will be expected of a private sector company contracted to run Wolds remand prison has been finalised.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)Work has now been completed on the specification for the operation of Wolds remand prison under private sector management and the selection and training requirements for prisoner custody officers. This forms part of the invitation to tender being issued to potential contractors today, and a copy has been placed in the Library. Subject to the passage of the Criminal Justice Bill through Parliament and the receipt of satisfactory tenders, we would aim to award a contract in the autumn.