HC Deb 20 December 1994 vol 251 cc1204-5W
Mr. Gunnell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many companies bid to manage the Doncaster prison when Premier Prison Services succeeded in winning the contract.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. John Gunnell, dated 20 December 1994: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about Doncaster prison. Five bids to manage Doncaster prison were received in response to the invitation to tender.

Mr. Gunnell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what performance criteria are specified in the contract for managing Doncaster prison.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. John Gunnell, dated 20 December 1994: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the performance criteria specified in the contract for managing Doncaster prison. The contract, a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library, specifies a wide range of performance criteria, covering all aspects of the prison's activities. As with both publicly and privately managed prisons, the performance at Doncaster is measured against key performance indicators, which are specified as follows: Escapes from the prison: no more than two by the end of the first year of operation thereafter no more than one in each year of operation. Escapes from court: no more than eight each year for the first three years. No more than six in the fourth year and then subject to review. Time out of cell: a minimum of twelve hours a day for prisoners on normal location. A positive regime: a minimum of at least twelve hours a day of regime activities including education for prisoners on normal location. Adult prisoners to have access to a minimum of six hours a week, and young prisoners under 17 provision of fifteen hours a week, of education and training. Visits: The statutory minimum as set out in Prison Rules. Grievances: Ninety per cent. of grievances, capable of resolution at prison level, resolved within seven days. Assaults on prisoners: no more than 148 by the end of the first year of operation, to be reviewed at the end of the first year. Assaults on staff: no more than 77 by the end of the first year of operation, to be reviewed at the end of the first year.