HC Deb 26 June 2002 vol 387 cc953-4W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (1) proportion of meat and meat products purchased by HM Prison Service is derived from(a) the United Kingdom, (b) other EU countries and (c) countries outside the EU; [61595]

(2) if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the sourcing of meat and meat products for consumption in UK prisons; [61596]

(3) what steps his Department has taken to increase the proportion of meat and meat products sourced from UK producers by HM Prison Service; what assessment he has made of the benefits to UK prisons of the purchase of UK produced meat; and if he will make a statement. [61593]

Hilary Benn

[holding answer 17 June 2002]: Her Majesty's Prison Service for England and Wales procures meat and meat products using contracts awarded in accordance with European Union (EU) procurement regulations and on a best value for money basis which takes account of quality of product, cost and availability. The EU regulations are designed to support fair and open competition allowing British suppliers to compete for business with other members. British suppliers have been awarded contracts under this mechanism and have access to a global market as part of their supply chain to ensure availability and the cost-effectiveness of the product at all times.

Data available from existing contracted suppliers show the following information: 64 per cent. of meat and meat products purchased by HM Prison Service is from the United Kingdom; 17 per cent. is derived from other EU countries; and 19 per cent. is derived from countries outside the EU.

No steps have been taken by the Department to increase the proportion of meat and meat products sourced from United Kingdom (UK) producers by HM Prison Service and no direct assessments have been made regarding possible benefits or disadvantages to prisons in England and Wales from the purchase of UK produced meat. The Service has no plans to change the current situation as any move to discriminate in favour of UK producers would be deemed to be in contravention of the EU supplies directive, 93/96/EC Purchase of Goods, by disadvantaging other member states.

Information about the procurement of meat and meat products for prisoners in Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Scottish Executive and the Northern Ireland Office respectively.