§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the refurbishment of A and B wings at Wandsworth Prison; and when this work is planned to be completed. [52786]
§ Ms QuinWandsworth prison's A and B wings were decommissioned shortly before 1 April 1996 because they did not meet the stipulation that all prisoners from 1 April 1996 must have 24 hour access to sanitation. A refurbishment and modernisation programme for the wings (covering integral sanitation, cell doors/windows, 267W roofs, electrics, heating, health and safety, security measures, food services and prisoner and staff facilities) is nearing completion. The programme has encountered construction and labour difficulties which have necessitated programme revisions. Replanning the work and extending working hours has enabled acceleration of the works to be achieved. Work to A wing is now due to finish this week with occupation in September; B wing is now programmed to finish in early October in time to meet the planned programme of occupation in late October or early November.