§ MR. PICKERSGILLI wish to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present state of the negotiations between the Corporation of the City of London and the Government as regards the acquisition by the former of the site of Newgate Prison?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.The present state of the negotiations is that the Prison Commissioners have submitted to the City Architect a scheme to facilitate the objects which the City Authorities have in view, and at the same time not to diminish the number of cells at the disposal of the Prison Authorities. The City Architect has been furnished with an estimate of the cost of the necessary alterations, and his reply is being awaited.
§ MR. PICKERSGILLMay I ask whether the sanction of this House will be asked before any final arrangement is made?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI do not know there will be any need for it.
§ MR. PICKERSGILLBut is the case not on all fours with the acquisition of Clerkenwell Prison for the Parcel Post?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo; I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. I will, however, look into the matter.