§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce further market testing in the Prison Service; and if he will make a statement. [15904]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 21 February 1996]: 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.
219WLetter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 22 February 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about market testing in the Prison Service.The Prison Service remains committed to market testing as a means of improving quality and value for money in the provision of custodial services. We will shortly finalise our plans for the market testing of Prison Service establishments and of particular functions within establishments for the financial year 1996–97.