§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on staff recruitment and retentions at HMP Ashfield; and if he will list the numbers and types of staff vacancies at HMP Ashfield. [26483]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 11 January 2002]: Staff turnover at Ashfield prison and young offender institution has been similar to that experienced at Premier Custodial Group's other contracts at the same stage of development and is broadly in line with their expectations. The contractor has found that as contracts move out of the start-up and initial development phase, turnover reduces. It is expected Ashfield will follow a similar pattern.
As at 10 January 2002, there were 31 vacancies at Ashfield, of which 17 were for prisoner custody officers (PCOs). On 18 January 2002, 20 PCOs will have completed their training and take up post. Interviews are in hand to recruit the remainder.
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if the director of HMP Ashfield is on a permanent contract; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the departure of his predecessor; [26482]
(2) if he will list the directors of HMP Ashfield since it was opened and the dates between which each was employed. [26481]
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§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 11 January 2002]: The directors at Ashfield prison and young offender institution since it opened on 1 November 1999 have been Mr. Nicholas Pascoe who was director from 21 September 1999 to 12 November 2000 and Mr. David Bramley who was director from 16 November 2000 and resigned on 24 December 2001. A new director is currently being sought. Mr. Joseph Mullens, the Director of Operations at Premier Custodial Group, is acting director for the time being and has previously worked for the Prison Service as a governing governor.