§ Lord Glenarthurasked Her Majesty's Government:
What standard of service will be expected of a private sector company contracted to run Blakenhurst prison.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)Work has now been completed on the specification for the operation of Blakenhurst prison under private sector management and for the selection and training requirements for prisoner custody officers. This forms part of the invitation to tender issued to the potential contractors and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. A draft order to extend contracting out to prisons holding sentenced prisoners has been laid and the House will shortly have an opportunity to debate the matter. Subject to parliamentary approval and the receipt of satisfactory tenders which offer value for money, we would aim to award a contract in the autumn with a view to Blakenhurst becoming operational next spring.