§ 65. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any report from the Prison Commissioners regarding the advisability of demolishing Duke Street prison, Glasgow; whether any plans have been prepared to construct a new prison for women on the outskirts of the city; and when it is intended to proceed with the scheme?
§ Mr. ElliotFollowing on a report by the Prisons Department for Scotland, a site at Greenfield Farm near Shettleston was purchased last year for a new prison to replace Duke Street prison. In view of the present pressure upon the building industry in Scotland, of the need for concentrating on the urgent problem of housing, and of the heavy building programme now in hand to the Prisons Department, the preparation of plans and the construction of the new prison are 831 being deferred for the time being. The work will be begun as soon as alteration of existing circumstances permits.
§ Mr. KirkwoodSeeing that the Secretary of State for Scotland has taken great interest in the Empire Exhibition which is to be held at Glasgow this year, will he not do what he can, at any rate, to remove the great black wall of the prison in Duke Street, which is about 200 yards long, and help to brighten the scene for all the visitors whom we are bringing to Glasgow this year?
§ Mr. ElliotI will look into that possibility, but, of course, accommodation must be found for the prisoners.