35 and 36. Lieut-Colonel Sir VIVIAN HENDERSONasked the Home Secretary (1) how much money has been spent on Chelmsford Prison since it was decided to reopen it, inclusive of the cost of erection of the tinsmiths' shop but exclusive of the £3,300 for the purchase of land;
(2) with regard to the proposal again to close Chelmsford Prison, whether he can give any undertaking that the scheme for utilising the prison will only be held up temporarily; and what steps will be taken to ensure that the prison does not again fall into disrepair?
§ Sir H. SAMUELIt has been contemplated that Chelmsford Prison shall be opened as a special prison for a selected class of prisoners, and with this object alterations, repairs and improvements have been carried out at a cost of £4,984. In accordance with the general policy of searching for all possible means of economy, this scheme and other questions relating to the allocation of the prison population are being further considered, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement about the future use of Chelmsford Prison.
§ Sir V. HENDERSONWould the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the last part of Question 36, as to what steps will be taken to ensure that the prison does not again fall into disrepair?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThat will be borne in mind, of course. It has not been decided to abandon the prison, and, while the matter is under consideration, of course, the buildings will be maintained.