HL Deb 26 November 1997 vol 583 c122WA
Lord Windlesham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the reasons for the delay of more than 18 months in publishing the Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts for April 1995—March 1996.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Production of the report for 1995-96 was undeniably slow and the then Ministers decided to defer approval of the text pending the general election. After the election, we were unable to find sufficient time to approve the text to enable publication before the summer recess. The report was published on 13 November 1997. In future, the Prison Service will aim to publish its Annual Report and Accounts within six months of the end of the financial year.