The World - News from July 26, 1988

Britain plans to turn new prisons over to the private sector in an effort to ease chronic overcrowding and improve conditions for inmates, a policy paper announced. “We need to think boldly and imaginatively about ways of helping the prison system to meet the demands placed on it,” Home Secretary Douglas Hurd said. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions have sparked prison riots that have injured dozens and caused heavy damage in recent years. But critics said that turning administration over to profit-making companies would mean cuts in staffing, food, clothing, heat and lighting in prisons.