HC Deb 29 November 1995 vol 267 cc777-8W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to ensure that Premier Prison Services Ltd. recognises trade unions in managing Doncaster prison; and if he will make a statement. [2396]

Miss Widdecombe

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

Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 November 1995: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about trade union recognition at Doncaster prison. Whether or not a trade union is recognised at a contracted out prison is a matter for the contractor. The contractor at Doncaster prison, Premier Prison Services Ltd., has decided not to recognise a trade union to represent staff. Doncaster prison has a fully constituted Works' Council which represents all the staff t the prison.