§ 31. Mr. MATHERSasked the Home Secretary whether any progress has been made with the proposal to dispose of Maidstone Prison; and whether, with a view to facilitating the necessary arrangements, he will make an order under the Prison Act, 1877, fixing a definite date for the discontinuance of the prison?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am obliged to the hon. Member for giving me an opportunity to explain the position. Negotiations have been proceeding for the purchase of this prison by the Kent County Council and have reached a stage when it is desirable to fix a date at which the council can be assured of obtaining possession. The date suggested is 30th April, 1932, and I propose to make and lay before Parliament in due course, an Order under Section 33 of the Prison Act, 1877, discontinuing the prison as from that date.