HC Deb 22 January 1976 vol 903 c562W
15. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what preparations he is making for the phasing out of special category status in the prisons of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Orme

As my right hon. Friend said on 4th November, the phasing out of special category status depends upon the provision of suitable cellular accommodation for prisoners convicted of offences comm[...]tted after 1st March 1976. 200 new cells have already been completed at Her Majesty's Prison, Maze, and a further 300 should be finished this year. A small cell block is also nearing completion at Her Majesty's Prison, Armagh, and plans are in hand for the better use of existing cellular accommodation at Belfast and Armagh Prisons.