§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for market testing of probation hostels; and if he will make a statement. [59555]
§ Mr. George HowarthI am grateful to the North East London Probation Service for agreeing to test whether an independent sector partner could run the Westbourne House approved hostel to at least the same standard as under the present arrangements at lower cost, although this will stop short of offering a contract for the hostel's operation to open tender. No decision on next steps, either at Westbourne House or more generally, will be taken until the outcome has been considered.