HC Deb 16 May 2000 vol 350 c73W
Jackie Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review his decision not to make contracts between his Department and private prison operators public; and if he will make a statement. [121464]

Mr. Boateng

Unpriced copies of contracts between the Prison Service and companies operating prisons are available in the Library and can be obtained from the Prison Service for a small fee to cover administrative and printing costs. This policy is consistent with the Cabinet Office guidance on interpreting the Code of Practice on Access to Official Information and with the requirements of the European Union Procurement Directives.