HC Deb 21 January 1913 vol 47 cc214-5
43. Mr. HOGGE

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has made any Order to discontinue the Calton Gaol?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The answer is in the negative.

44. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether the Prison Commissioners for Scotland have secured a site for the proposed new prison; if not, when they are likely to do so; and whether he can say how long it would probably be before the new prison was ready for use?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

It would not be in the public interest to enter into any details in regard to the question of a new site at present.

Mr. HOGGE

May I have an answer to the question whether the Prison Commissioners have secured a site?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have answered that question. It would not be in the public interest to make any statement on the subject.

48. Mr. HOGGE

asked in whom the legal estate in the site of the Calton Gaol is at present vested; to whom it is to be transferred; and what is the consideration for such transfer?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply he received yesterday from the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East. The proposal at present under consideration is for an ultimate transfer to the First Commissioner of Works; as to how and on what conditions such a transfer can be arranged I am not prepared to make any intimation at this stage.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that plans have already been drawn and models set up for buildings on this site, which has not even yet been transferred to the Prison Commissioners?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am quite aware of that.

Mr. HOGGE

What are these buildings for?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

They are for the site in question.

Mr. PIRIE

Before this transfer to the Prison Commissioners takes place, will Members of Parliament have any chance of discussing this question?

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the land has never been paid for?