HC Deb 27 April 1972 vol 835 cc1761-2
27. Mrs. Doris Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further progress has been made towards finding a site in Birmingham for a remand home for women.

Mr. Carlisle

Birmingham Corporation has suggested that a site near Winson Green prison might be suitable for a women's remand centre. A feasibility study will now be carried out.

Mrs. Fisher

While thanking the hon. and learned Gentleman for that answer, may I ask him to remember that this is a redevelopment area and that a site is not yet available on which to build? Is he aware that this will result in a further lengthy period of delay before this urgently required remand home in the city is established?

Mr. Carlisle

I am aware of that. This site, regrettably, is not likely to be available until 1975. It is for that reason that we have taken certain interim steps in regard to overnight accommodation at Birmingham Prison. However, we believe that the long-term solution must be a purpose-built remand centre and we are looking at a site which has been suggested to us by Birmingham Corporation.

Mr. John Fraser

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his answer is not good enough? Far more urgent steps must be taken to find remand accommodation in Birmingham and so save the present inconvenience to the service and prisoners, many of whom have to be remanded in Holloway. Will he take another look at this matter and treat it with the utmost urgency?

Mr. Carlisle

Although the hon. Gentleman says that my answer is not good enough, I understand that the whole cause of this problem arose during the period of the Labour Government, when a decision was taken to withdraw the existing remand home in Birmingham. We are trying to find a replacement site, but one is not easy to acquire. I am looking into the matter and I assure the House that I am aware of the problem.