§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many safe cells will be installed in prisons in the next financial year. [112590]
§ Mr. Boateng[pursuant to his reply, 13 March 2000, c. 76W]: Rye Hill prison is scheduled to open in January 2001 and will provide 576 cells all of which incorporate the key elements of the Prison Service's new improved standard cell or "safe" cell.
Two new prisons, Ashfield and Forest Bank, opened in this financial year providing 1,088 improved standard cells.
All new prisons are required to provide cells which reflect the design requirements of the Prison Service's new improved standard cell or "safe cell".