HC Deb 07 June 1962 vol 661 cc630-1
3. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute a public inquiry into the proposal to build a detention centre near Cirencester.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

Yes, Sir. The county council was informed on 4th June of my decision to appoint a barrister to hold an inquiry, and the necessary arrangements are now in train.

Mr. Ridley

May I thank my right hon. Friend for that decision? If the objections on planning grounds appear to him to be formidable, will he not continue to press this proposal after the inquiry?

Mr. Butler

I must now await the result of the inquiry.

Miss Bacon

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that it would only be on planning grounds, and not because of the objections of people to having a detention centre in the area?

Mr. Butler

I think that when I have decided to have an inquiry, it is improper to pursue this any further.