§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Prison Service staff will be involved in market-testing exercises between September 1993 and March 1995; and how many prison establishments will be involved.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe functions being market tested in the Prison Service up to September 1993 were included in the "Citizens's Charter First Report 1992". There are approximately 1,800 posts in these areas. This is still our existing programme, although some areas being market tested will overrun the original target date for completion.
The chief executive of the Prison Service will make recommendations to me later this year on the extent, form and timetable for private sector involvement in the management of prisons. This will include recommendations on future candidates for market testing.