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With reference to its previous comments regarding the privatization of prisons and work performed by prisoners or detainees, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report.

The Committee notes that the Criminal Justice Act, 1991 assented on 26 July 1991, provides that certain prisons may be contracted out by contract between the Secretary of State and another person (section 84); such prisons are run by a director appointed by the contractor and approved by the Secretary of State, and controlled by a Crown servant appointed by the Secretary of State (section 85). The Committee notes the Government's information in its report that the Act enables the Government to seek tenders from the private sector for the management of the new remand prisons; the first contract was signed in November 1991 for a period of five years and was to become operational in April 1992. It relates to the remand prison of Wolds which can accommodate 300 untried or unsentenced prisoners; it is estimated that at any time there will be around 50 convicted but unsentenced prisoners.

The Committee also notes the Government's indication in its report that under the prison rules, unconvicted prisoners cannot be required to work, but that for convicted prisoners work is compulsory. At Wolds work will apply to domestic requirements and to a small area of the prison designated as a multi-skills workshop. Prisoners will receive pay and the work will provide training for prisoners choosing to participate.

The Committee further notes the Government's indications concerning control, discipline, inspection and monitoring; in this connection the Committee notes that the Chief Inspector, independent of the prison service, establishes an annual report on conditions in and running of prisons.

The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the number of prisons contracted out and of prisoners concerned, the wages paid in relation to the normal minimum wages applicable in the different work sectors and other details on social security benefits and on deductions made from pay. The Committee also requests the Government to supply a copy of the annual report of the Chief Inspector of Prisons concerning prisons contracted out.