§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will indicate the extent to which parliamentary questions relating to the prison service after 1 April will be answered(a) directed by Ministers and (b) by the director of the Prison Service Agency in so far as they relate to (i) costs and average costs, (ii) staffing matters, (iii) events relating to discipline and (iv) contracting out.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeFrom 1 April 1993, when the prison service becomes an executive agency, the director general will have delegated responsibility for its day-to-day management. When a Member of Parliament asks a parliamentary question on a delegated matter, I will normally ask the director general to write to the Member. The question and the director general's reply will be published inHansard. Questions relating to costs and average costs, staffing, disciplinary matters and operating aspects of contracting out will normally fall within the director general's delegated responsibilities. Questions relating to policy on contracting out the management of prison establishments will normally be answered by Ministers.