§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consideration has been given to making full use of the lecturing, sporting and accommodation facilities at RAF Tern Hill, now subject to closure, by the Prison Staff Training College which the Home Office propose to transfer shortly from Wakefield to the Market Drayton area;
(2) during which financial year it is expected to incur the costs of converting Buntingsdale Hall for use by the Prison Service Staff Training College;
(3) what is the estimated expenditure in adapting Buntingsdale Hall for use by the Prison Service Staff Training College; how much of this expenditure relates to lecturing, sporting and accommodation facilities, respectively; how this compares with the cost of adopting the facilities of RAF Tern Hill; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe do not expect to incur expenditure on the conversion of Buntingsdale Hall for use as a Prison Service staff college before the financial year 1979–80. Detailed planning and costing have yet to take place. I understand that although Tern Hill will cease to be used by the RAF, the Ministry of Defence has no immediate plans to dispose of the property, as its possible use by the Army is under consideration.