§ 28. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to come to a decision as to whether his Department have a use for the Pinewood Hospital buildings near Wokingham.
§ Miss BaconMy right, hon. Friend has decided to seek the views of the local planning authority on a proposal to use the site for a detention centre.
Mr. van StrubenzeeDoes the right hon. Lady realise what what dismay that 673 Answer will be received in my constituency, bearing in mind the close proximity of Broadmoor to these buildings? Will she at least ensure that a decision is taken as soon as possible, the buildings having been empty since January?
§ Miss BaconWe should be quite willing to make a decision as soon as possible, but, as often happens in these cases, it is the objections of the local inhabitants which cause the delays. Every day of the week we get requests from hon. Members on both sides of the House to provide more detention centres, and that is what we want to do.