HC Deb 01 June 1998 vol 313 cc54-5W
Miss Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the evacuation plans are in the event of a nuclear emergency at either of the nuclear power stations at Heysham for the prisoners who would be housed in the proposed prison at Middleton Sands, Morecambe; and if he will make a statement. [43861]

Ms Quin

Contingency plans for evacuation have been agreed between the Prison Service and the Lancashire Ambulance Service, Lancashire Constabulary and Lancashire Fire Brigade. In his recommendations following the public inquiry, the planning inspector made it a condition that the Emergency, Safety and Evacuation Plan, agreed with the County Emergency Planning Unit, should be operational before the prison opens.

Miss Geraldine Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been carried out by his Department regarding the likely effect on the local tourism industry at Morecambe if the proposal to site a temporary prison there is implemented. [43660]

Ms Quin

No specific research has been undertaken into the effects of the proposed siting of a temporary prison in the Morecambe area.

The planning inspector concluded in his report of the recent public inquiry that the prison would have little if any harmful visual impact on the area. In considering the Prison Service's proposals, together with the views of other interested parties, the inspector thought it unlikely that the prison would materially harm the special attractions of the area or that it would likewise harm the tourist and holiday business in the Morecambe area as a whole.