§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are now being made to select a prisons ombudsman.
§ Mr. Peter LloydFollowing the Home Secretary's decision not to appoint from the previous competition, the post of prison ombudsman is to be readvertised in the national press next month. An executive search agency will also be used.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of advertising the posts of prisons ombudsman and assistant prisons ombudsman.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe cost of both advertisements in the national press was £31,689.
§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the original timetable for the appointment of a prison ombudsman ; how many candidates were short-listed; when he now expects to announce an appointment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe original intention was to announce an appointment in spring this year and to have the new office operating by January 1994. Six applicants for the post were interviewed in June, but after careful thought my right hon. and learned Friend decided that he needed to consider candidates from a wider range of backgrounds before agreeing an appointment. The post will therefore be re-advertised shortly and the aim is to announce the appointment of a prisons ombudsman by March 1994.