§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent representatives of prison governors or prison officers have been concerned in the drawing up of plans for Woolwich prison; and what plans there are for their future involvement.
§ Mr. HurdCopies of the sketch plans for Woolwich prison have already been circulated for comment to the staff associations representing prison governors and prison officers. A wide range of operational views was sought at an early stage and incorporated into the design brief. Since all but minor details of the design are now settled, further consultation should not be required.
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§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which groups are, or have been, involved in drawing up plans for the design of Woolwich prison.
§ Mr. HurdThe designs for Woolwich prison have been drawn up in consultation with the operation and specialist interests within the Prison Department, and with the relevant staff associations.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision it is intended to incorporate into Woolwich prison for waiting and visiting areas, with particular reference to facilities for visitors with young children.
§ Mr. HurdThe Woolwich prison designs will incorporate facilities for a total of 90 open and eight closed domestic visits to take place at any one time. In addition, 29 rooms will be provided for official visits, e.g. by police or legal advisers. The visits complex will include a waiting area with toilet and baby care facilities, similar facilities will also be provided in the gatehouse for use by visitors during normal visiting hours.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision it is intended to incorporate into Woolwich prison for classrooms and other educational facilities.
§ Mr. HurdProvision will be made in the Woolwich prison designs for an education complex consisting of five general purpose classrooms, five craft classrooms, a library and a display and exhibition area, together with office accommodation and ancillary facilities for the education officer and his staff.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the plans for Woolwich prison will be deposited with the local authority; and if he will then place copies in the Library.
§ Mr. HurdWe expect to be able to lodge the detailed plans for Woolwich prison with the local planning authority at the end of this year. Under the established procedures whereby Government Departments seek planning clearance for proposals for development, arrangements for publication of planning submissions are a matter for the local planning authority concerned. It would not be appropriate to place the Woolwich plans in the Library of the House, but I shall be glad to give the hon. Member an opportunity to see them.