HC Deb 27 October 1992 vol 212 c579W
Sir John Wheeler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is in a position to make a statement about the market testing of Her Majesty's prison, Manchester.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Work has now been completed on the specification for the operation of Manchester prison. This forms part of the invitation to tender issued to the prison service and potential contractors from the private sector. A copy has been placed in the Library. Following the evaluation process, we aim to announce a decision on the successful bidder in early spring 1993. It is our intention that the part of the prison that is currently being extensively refurbished shall be ready to accept prisoners from autumn 1993.