Written question asked by Charles Goodson-Wickes (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 January 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 January 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: What assessment he has made of the merits of privatising the Prison Medical Service.

Answer: Dr. Goodson-Wickes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the merits of privatising the prison medical service. [10450] Miss Widdecombe: We have no plans to privatise the prison health care service. We are committed to pursuing a policy where health care for prisoners will be purchased from the national health service or the private sector, rather than be provided directly, where this makes sense in terms of a better level of service and better value for money.

Secondary information