HC Deb 20 January 2003 vol 398 c32W
14. Dr. Pugh

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency and value for money of private firms who deliver prisoners to court. [91437]

Hilary Benn

The contracting out of prisoner escort arrangements has offered better value for money, a reduction in escapes and has freed up prison officers to concentrate on their main duties. A recent Prison Service review confirmed that escorts should continue to be contracted out, and the existing contracts, which are planned to be re-let in 2004, will be replaced with more flexible ones to allow the Prison Service to respond more effectively to business needs and population.

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