HC Deb 14 May 1976 vol 911 cc291-2W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current estimate of the cost of constructing the proposed remand centre at North Weald; and what increase this represents on the original estimate when the scheme was first proposed.

Mr. John

The estimated cost has so far been reduced from £3.9 million to £3.5 million at 1975 prices, and will be further reviewed as and when the design is developed.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the sites considered for proposed new remand centres in the London and Home Counties area but rejected as unsuitable for any reason.

Mr. John

The site of the former women's open prison at Hill Hall in Essex was considered but was thought to be less suitable than the proposed site at North Weald.