§ Mr. IrvineTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement regarding the further replacement of resettlement units.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe development of replacement provision for the resettlement units at Stormy Down in South Wales and Southampton are considerably advanced. During the next 12 months the proposals for each of these units are expected to be complete. I have therefore agreed that our direct operation of these units should cease by 31 March 1993. As with all replacement schemes we will need to be satisfied, at that date, that sufficient suitable alternative accommodation is being provided.
Together the proposals for these two units will produce over 200 bed spaces which is far in excess of those in the respective units.
This announcement together with my earlier one, on 5 February at column 210, on the transfer of the units at Camden and Newbury also by March 1993 will considerably advance our intention to withdraw from the direct operations of resettlement units.