§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the inquiry into the allegation of mistreatment of prisoners in the United States in establishments controlled by the Corrections Corporation of America.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 17 May 1993]: Mr. Bentley has now completed his inquiries and has reported his findings to Derek Lewis, the director general of the prison service.
In addition to the original allegations made against CCA and some of its senior management, I understand that consideration has also been given to further allegations contained in The Observer newspaper.
From Mr. Bentley's findings it is clear that there is nothing to suggest that CCA or its senior managers are unfit to be shareholders in a company holding the contract to operate Blakenhurst or any other prision. In the circumstances, the contract awarded to UKDS for the operation and management of Blakenhurst prison will continue.
I have written in similar terms today to Sir Ivan Lawrence, Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee. A copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.