HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 cc28-9W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total extra cost of the use of police cells for imprisonment in the catchment area of Cardiff gaol since the present dispute arose on 17 June.

Mrs. Rumbold

Information about extra costs of holding specific groups of prisoners is not readily available because the police forces concerned do not identify in their accounts the names of the prisons from which the prisoners are locked out. Most police forces hold prisoners from several catchment areas.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in police cells in the Cardiff gaol catchment area are held in cells more than 40 miles from their area of normal residence.

Mrs. Rumbold

This information is not available centrally and could not be provided by the police forces concerned without disproportionate cost.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners held in police cells in the Cardiff gaol catchment area are 15 years old.

Mrs. Rumbold

On 9 October, the latest date for which figures are available, there were no prisoners aged 15 years who should have been held in Cardiff prison but were held in police cells.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Director General of the Prison Service and others concerning the cancellation or postponement of the new kitchens at Cardiff gaol.

Mrs. Rumbold

The scheme to provide a new kitchen at Cardiff prison is proceeding. Preliminary work, which commenced in October 1990 was completed in June 1991 and work on the main contract began in September. Work is due to be completed late in 1992.