§ 15. Mr. Joseph Deanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the time scale for the commencement and completion of extensions and improvements at Her Majesty's prison, Armley; and if he is prepared to consider claims for financial compensation by owner-occupiers whose homes are affected by the proposals.
§ Mr. MellorSubject to the early completion of the purchase of the additional land, including houses adjacent to the proposed new wall, it is hoped to start construction of the main extension in 1985–86. Design work is already being done. The need to decant means that the full programme of improvements will necessarily take some time. We are not aware of any grounds for paying compensation to other owner-occupiers in the area.
§ Mr. DeanI thank the Minister for the information. Is he aware that when the proposals are carried out, and the plans completed, the new wall of the prison will be within feet of existing owner-occupied houses, with the result that their valuations will be seriously affected? Will he at least consider whether the Department has some responsibility for the devaluation that my constituents will suffer?
§ Mr. MellorI understand the hon. Gentleman's point. We wish to keep disruption to his constituents to a minimum. To assist in this process we have agreed to purchase, at the request of the city council, 13 houses immediately adjacent to the wall. We do not believe that any substantial disruption of amenity will take place for any other occupiers, but we shall listen with sympathy to what the hon. Gentleman says.