It has not been possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

The following table provides a summary of VAT incurred by the Youth Justice Board for spend in relation to the following contracts: privately operated young offender institutions where the YJB commission places for young people sentenced to custody; secure escorts to transport young people to/from the youth custodial establishments and to/from court; privately run secure training centres where the YJB commissions places for young people; and youth justice IT programmes.

There was a reduction in VAT paid in 2012-13 due to invoices for Rainsbrook, Hassockfield and Medway Secure Training Centre being paid for by Ministry of Justice because these contracts are with the Secretary of State for Justice. In addition, the YJB agreed a substantial reduction in the National Offender Management Service's charge for prisoner escort custody costs, resulting in a proportionate reduction in VAT costs.

It would be at a disproportionate cost to the Department to examine each receipt to calculate the amount of VAT on smaller items.

The number of staff employed at the Youth Justice Board on 1 November for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 is set out in the following table: These figures include temporary staff, those on secondment to the Youth Justice Board and contractors.