Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 11 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 May 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 1 May 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has commissioned an inquiry into the operation and cost effectiveness of the prison and correctional system; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to Justice for All.

Answer: Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has commissioned an inquiry into the operation and cost effectiveness of the prison and correctional system; and if he will make a statement. [109524] Hilary Benn: A Review of Correctional Services was announced in July 2002 in the white paper "Justice for All". The first phase of the review has concentrated on the short term demands on the correctional services and was carried out by the Home Office. The second phase of the review is being led by Patrick Carter and will consider a strategy for correctional services over the Spending Review (SR) 2004 period to meet the Government's objectives of protecting the public, reducing crime and sustaining public confidence, in ways which are cost effective and financially sustainable.

Secondary information