§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of facilities for prisoners at Ashfield prison; and if he will make a statement. [101432]
§ Hilary Benn[holding answer 10 March 2003]Since the Prison Service issued a rectification notice to the contractor (Premier Prison Service) on 10 January 2003, service delivery improvements and progress on compliance with the contract have been achieved.
308WThe delivery of purposeful activity against the contractual requirement of 35 hours per week per trainee is on an upward trend, and close to contract compliance. During February 2003, each trainee received on average 34.56 hours of purposeful activity. A standards audit took place in February 2003, and the establishment was rated as 'acceptable' for both standards and security, with health services, public protection, safer establishments, segregation unit and incentives and earned privileges all rated as good.
However, there are still concerns about provision in a number of areas. Including the level of assaults, the incidence of self harm, and the use of force in handling incidents.
Ashfield will continue to be closely monitored, and the Rectification Notice will not be lifted until the establishment is safe, and offering appropriate facilities to the young people held there. The long-term future of Ashfield remains uncertain. Unless these improvements are built on and sustained, the Prison service will consider re-tendering the contract, or bringing Ashfield into the public sector.