§ Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether work on the new kitchen block at the premises of the former Her Majesty's prison at Medomsley, Derwentshire, has been completed.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. The building element of this work is nearing completion, but the kitchen equipment will not be installed pending a decision on the future role of this establishment.
§ Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the recently closed prison at Medomsley; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggHer Majesty's prison Medomsley, originally a detention centre, was temporarily brought into use as a category C training prison in June last year. The establishment was closed in October and the staff deployed to areas of pressing need in other prisons. The establishment is presently being surveyed with a view to assessing whether, and how, it should be redeveloped. A decision on Medomsley's future will be made when the results of the survey have been evaluated.