§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERasked the Home Secretary the amount of additional cost that the closing of Usk prison will place on the county rates; and whether, before the actual closing takes place, he will be prepared to receive a deputation from the authorities concerned?
§ Mr. SHORTTIt is impossible to say how much additional cost will be thrown on county rates by closing the prison, but I would remind the hon. Member that one-half of the cost to the police will be repaid from the Exchequer. The instructions sent out to various authorities with regard to the matter could not be recalled now without causing great confusion, but I can assure the hon. Member that the question has received most careful consideration.