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Written question asked by Richard Burgon (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 June 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2019. It was answered by Robert Buckland (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 July 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisons: Private Sector

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answers of 18 June 2019 to Question 264474 on Prisons: Private Sector and of 11 June 2019 to Question 259342 on Prisons: Contracts, whether HMPPS Controllers are required to keep a record of the number of prison custody officers certified to act as such at establishments for which they have responsibility.

Answer

As we have stated previously, all staffing matters, including the responsibility of ensuring the availability of sufficiently trained and experienced staff to maintain safe and decent prisons, sit with contractors. There is no requirement in the contracts to agree staffing levels with the Ministry of Justice.

We do not hold data on the number of Prison Custody Officers certified. The role of the Controller is to monitor performance at the prison across a range of indicators. Any concerns in relation to these performance indicators are discussed with the provider, and, where necessary, appropriate action is taken in accordance with the contract.

Private providers continue to play an important role in the prison estate and I can assure you that performance of all providers is closely monitored and we will not hesitate to take action where standards fall short.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
269812
Session
2017-19
Related items
Prisons: Private Sector
Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Private sector Prisons Prison officers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk