§ Lord Actonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made a decision on the leading recommendation in the report of Her Majesty's 123WA Chief Inspector of Prisons that a director of women's prisons should be appointed.
§ Lord Williams of MostynWe announced the findings of the internal review of the management and organisation of the Prison Service, carried out by the Director General, on 10 November 1997 (H.L. Deb., col. 8). We have endorsed its findings and recommendations.
The review considered the criticisms made by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons of the management of women's prisons and his recommendation that a director of women's prisons should be appointed. The review concluded that the best way to meet these criticisms was by creating a stronger capacity within headquarters to develop regime standards and policies and support the operational line in monitoring performance and spreading best practice. This will be provided by a director of regimes at prisons board level, supported by assistant directors, one of which will have separate, specific responsibility for women prisoners.
The relevant recommendations of the review will be implemented shortly.