Duke Street Prison, Glasgow

HC Deb 15 July 1952 vol 503 c1958

20. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is intended to demolish Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, in order to make this valuable site available for housing development.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The use of Duke Street Prison is under review, but I cannot say when it may be possible to demolish it.

Mr. McInnes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is almost 20 years since this prison was condemned, that it is the most obsolete and costly prison in the British Isles, that 80 per cent. of its accommodation remains unoccupied throughout the year, and that the time has now arrived when some concrete proposal ought to be made, particularly since one should bear in mind that it costs anything from £8 to £10 a week to keep an inmate in that prison?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir, I agree. Duke Street Prison is obsolete and unsuitable, and we would be very pleased if we could remove it and put something better in its place.