HC Deb 07 November 1968 vol 772 cc1064-5
10. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the future use of Reading Prison.

65. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he anticipates that the use of Reading Prison on its present site, will be discontinued.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

This establishment will shortly cease to be used as a borstal institution. After modernisation work and improvements to the security system have been completed, it will be re-opened as a prison for about 180 prisoners. It is impossible at present to forecast when this site will no longer be needed for prison purposes.

Mr. van Straubenzee

While understanding the grave shortage of accommodation facing the Home Secretary, may I ask him nevertheless not to prejudice the medium-term future position, and to keep his option open on the eventual run-down of this establishment, because it is in a very important part of the County Borough of Reading?

Mr. Morgan

I can give an undertaking that this matter will be kept continually under review but the adaptations will cost a substantial sum. I know that the view has been expressed that it should be put to another use.

Mr. Astor

Can the hon. Gentleman give an indication of the difference in cost between modernising the prison at the present site, and rebuilding on an alternative site?

Mr. Morgan

Although the buildings at Reading are old, they are still structurally sound. With the present overcrowded position in prisons generally, and the likelihood that the prison population will rise, full use must be made of all existing accommodation. In addition it must be remembered that under the Prison Act, 1952, with the rights of pre-emption, the Exchequer would not benefit to the fall from the sale of the existing site.