§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the results of the internal audit into the letting of the workshop contract at HMP Coldingley to Wackenhut UK. [68945]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe report by Prison Service Internal Audit on this matter is an internal management document, concerning actions which are the subject of a disciplinary inquiry as well as issues which are subject to discussion with the contractor. It is not intended to publish it.
§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what sums are owed by Wackenhut UK to the prison service in lieu of the workshop contract at HMP Coldingley; what steps are being taken by his Department in relation to this contract; and if he will make a statement. [68944]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe contract for the management of the industries at Coldingley Prison ended on 31 January 1999 following the receipt of notice of termination from the contractor, Wackenhut (UK) Limited.
At 29 January, invoices totalling £170,531.18 payable under the terms of the contract had been presented to Wackenhut, but not yet paid; however, none were beyond the 30-day payment period. Additionally, Wackenhut are liable to make a final payment of £26,250 in February to complete repayment of a loan.
The Prison Service is in the process of establishing other sums due, in relation to operation of the contract during January, handover of assets at the end of the contract and other matters. Further invoices will be issued in due course.
The Prison Service has also started a disciplinary inquiry relating to concerns raised by an internal audit report on the operation of the contract.