HL Deb 18 May 1994 vol 555 cc11-2WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Group 4 Total Security Ltd. have made contracts with third parties for health and medical services at the prisons and detention centres which they manage; and whether they will list those establishments with the provider of medical care in each case; and

Whether they are satisfied with the general quality and availability of medical care in custodial institutions operated by Group 4 Total Security Ltd; what was the situation when a considerable number of inmates resorted to hunger-strikes; and whether the medical personnel have, or will receive, training in recognizing physical and mental symptoms of previous torture and of current post-traumatic stress.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

Group 4 Total Security has a contract with Forensic Medical Services and another with the British Nursing Agency to provide medical services at the Campsfield House Immigration Detention Centre. The Government are satisfied that Group 4 Total Security has by these means properly discharged its contractual obligation to provide satisfactory medical care at the centre. The staff concerned are suitably trained in general medicine and have access as necessary to more specialist advice.

The condition of the substantial number of detainees at Campsfield House who recently refused food or fluids was closely monitored by a dedicated medical team provided under the sub-contract with the British Nursing Agency, which is supported by prison service medical officers and visiting consultants.