Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 November 1998. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Monday, 16 November 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has for market testing of probation hostels.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for market testing of probation hostels; and if he will make a statement. [59555] Mr. George Howarth: I am grateful to the North East London Probation Service for agreeing to test whether an independent sector partner could run the Westbourne House approved hostel to at least the same standard as under the present arrangements at lower cost, although this will stop short of offering a contract for the hostel's operation to open tender. No decision on next steps, either at Westbourne House or more generally, will be taken until the outcome has been considered.

Secondary information