§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he considers to be appropriate profit levels in privately run penal establishments.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend will take a view on what profit levels are appropriate when considering bids for the operation of Wolds remand prison. The profit level in any agreed contract would, however, be regarded as commercially confidential.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to provide for the proper training of managers, social workers and guards in privately run penal establishments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe director and other custodial staff of any contracted-out prison would require training to a level specifically approved by my right hon. Friend. The training requirement for Wolds remand prison is set out in schedule 3(b ) of the tender documents and is available in the Library. Any social workers engaged by contractors would require the qualifications of their profession.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners he expects to be situated in privately run penal establishments by 31 December 1994; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldOn present plans the management of Wolds remand prison, which will hold some 300 prisoners, would be contracted out in 1992. No decisions have yet been taken about any extension of contracting out. Any such proposals would be subject to parliamentary approval in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Justice Bill.