§ Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conditions to guarantee security he requires when he invites tenders from private contractors to contract for work escorting prisoners being transported; and if he will make a statement.
713W
§ Mr. Peter LloydA copy of the operational specification for the court escort service in the east midlands and Humberside area has been placed in the Library of the House. It outlines general principles which cover all aspects of running a secure service. Once appointed, a contractor is obliged to submit his detailed operating procedures for approval by the Home Office. The standards required of contractors are no less than those applicable to the escorting of prisoners by police and prison officers. In addition, the extensive use of custom built cellular vehicles will give an improved level of security.