HC Deb 18 March 1982 vol 20 cc474-5
17. Mr. Joseph Dean

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the time scale for the proposed extension to Her Majesty's prison Armley; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mayhew

We hope to purchase land from the Leeds city council in 1982–83. Progress after that is dependent upon negotiations for a smaller parcel of land in private ownership, and then upon the granting of the necessary planning clearances for the construction of an extension to be built on the newly acquired land.

Mr. Dean

I thank the Minister for his answer. Will he undertake to look into the possibility of speeding up the programme, bearing in mind the appalling conditions that at present exist in Armley prison? Is he aware that juveniles and young people have, on occasions, to be held in custody at the prison until they are placed in other accommodation? Will he undertake to publish and make available to interested people in the area the report of the commission that investigated conditions in prisons, which began, I think, as the Pearce Commission, although Pearce has since died? Will the hon. and learned Gentleman make it available as soon as possible?

Mr. Mayhew

I do not dissent from the hon. Gentleman's description of the quality of conditions in Leeds prison. The document to which he refers will be published. I shall arrange for the hon. Gentleman to be notified as soon as a Government decision about the purchase of land has been made and I shall keep him informed of progress at intervals thereafter.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the time scale between a decision to build a new prison or provide a major extension and the completion of the work is very long? Is he aware that some action should be taken to shorten the period, as this would help the Government's policy?

Mr. Mayhew

I accept completely what my hon. Friend says about the time scale. It derives, as my hon. Friend will know, to a great extent, from planning decisions and procedures, which nowadays are very jealously observed and insisted upon.