HC Deb 14 December 1995 vol 268 cc731-2W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what formula was used in calculating the performance-related bonus paid to Mr. Derek Lewis during his employment as Director General of the Prison Service; [5632]

(2) if the terms and conditions of employment of the post of Director General of the Prison Service will include a performance-related element; [5630]

(3) how much was paid to Mr. Derek Lewis as a performance-related bonus during his employment as Director General of the Prison Service; and what percentage this figure was in relation to the salary he received. [5633]

Miss Widdecombe

Under the terms of his appointment, Mr. Lewis was entitled to a performance bonus of up to 35 per cent., of his salary, assessed on the basis of qualitative and quantitative measures reflecting performance against the Prison Service's key targets as set out in the agency's corporate and business plans. Such measures included reductions in escapes and assaults and an increase in purposeful activity for prisoners. For the period from his appointment on 6 January 1993 to 31 March 1993, a bonus of £8,280 was paid solely on the basis of his personal contribution to the Prison Service. For the 1993–94 financial year, when the Prison Service met or exceeded all of its key targets except one, Mr. Lewis received a bonus of £35,000 which represented 28 per cent. of his salary of £125,000. The precise formula used to assess Mr. Lewis's performance was personal to him and I have no plans to publish it. Mr. Lewis waived the bonus for 1994–95, despite meeting his targets, because of the escape from Whitemoor. The question of a bonus for the current year forms part of Mr. Lewis's legal action which is pending before the courts. My right hon. and learned Friend will make an announcement about the appointment of the director general when a substantive appointment is made.