HC Deb 30 March 1961 vol 637 cc1516-7
33. Mr. Corfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the proposals of the Prison Commission to use part of the former Royal Air Force station at Pucklechurch; and, in particular, whether he will state when a final decision on this matter is likely to be announced

Mr. Vosper

The proposal to build a remand centre on this site is under discussion with the local authorities. My right hon. Friend cannot forecast the course of these discussions, but the need for remand centres is urgent and there will be no delay on his part.

Mr. Corfield

I accept the urgency of the matter. Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that inevitably there is a great deal of anxiety locally and that in particular there is anxiety that this R.A.F. station should be put to a good economic use?

Mr. Vosper

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will bear in mind what has been said by my hon. Friend when he considers the result of these discussions.

Miss Bacon

Will the right hon. Gentleman be careful not to take any steps which would postpone further the building of remand centres? Since the enactment of the Criminal Justice Act, 1948, we have had as yet not one remand centre built in the whole of the country. Will he speed up rather than retard the building of them?

Mr. Vosper

We have been fortunate in the acquisition of sites in recent months. The hon. Lady will understand the importance of carrying the local residents with us when we acquire sites for this purpose.