HC Deb 27 July 1998 vol 317 cc33-4W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes to renew the lease for the prison at Lancaster Castle when it expires in 2001; and if he will make a statement. [52476]

Ms Quin

The latest prisoner population trends indicate that it will be necessary to keep the prison accommodation at Lancaster Castle in use beyond 2001. However, the final decision will not be made until nearer the time.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take measures to allow the public to visit those dungeons at Lancaster Castle which held the Pendle Witches. [52478]

Ms Quin

There are no plans to allow members of the public to visit these particular dungeons, which are within the perimeter of Lancaster prison. It would not be possible to open the dungeons to visitors without undermining the security of the prison. However, members of the public may visit other dungeon cells in the castle which are outside the prison perimeter.