§ 78. Mr. HINDSasked the Home Secretary the amount of savings that it is estimated the closing of Carmarthen Prison will effect; how it is proposed to deal with remand cases, and, if this prison is closed, how is it proposed to deal with prisoners from West Wales; and whether he will consult with the chief magistrates and the police in the counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke before arriving at a final decision?
§ Mr. SHORTTIt is anticipated that the net saving will be £2,525 a year. Remand and other prisoners from West Wales will go to Swansea Prison, except where there are suitable police cells which can be used for remand purposes. A few cells will also be kept ready in Carmarthen Prison for use, if necessary, during a trial. The female wing of Carmarthen Prison was closed some years ago, and no difficulty has been experienced, and, in view of the imperative need for economy, I see no reason for altering the decision.