HC Deb 11 May 1994 vol 243 c142W
Mr. Patrick Thompson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the Prison Service's key targets for 1994–95.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The Prison Service's key targets for the current financial year are set out in its business plan for 1994–95, which is being published today. A copy has been placed in the Library. My right hon. and learned Friend has set the following key targets for 1994–95:

  1. 1. To ensure that the number of escapes from prison establishments and from escorts, expressed as a percentage of the average prison population, is fewer than in 1993–94.
  2. 2. To reverse, over the period 1993–96, the rising trend of assaults on staff, prisoners and others, expressed as a percentage of the average prison population.
  3. 3. To ensure that in 1994–95 the average number of prisoners held three to a cell in accommodation which is intended for one prisoner is fewer than in 1993–94, subject to ensuring that no prisoners are held in police cells unless this is absolutely unavoidable.
  4. 4. To provide 24 hour access to sanitation in at least 3,500 more cells, including new and renovated accommodation, thus ensuring that at least 95 per cent. of prisoners have access to sanitation at all times.
  5. 5. To ensure that prisoners spend, on average, at least 25.5 per hours per week in purposeful activity.
  6. 6. To ensure that by 31 March 1995 at least 36 per cent. of prisoners are held in establishments where prisoners are unlocked on weekdays for at least 12 hours.
  7. 7. To ensure that all prisoners have the opportunity to exceed the minimum visiting entitlement throughout 1994–95.
  8. 8. To ensure that the average cost per prisoner place (including places temporarily out of use) does not exceed £24,500.