HL Deb 21 March 1978 vol 389 cc1786-7WA
The Lord Bishop of ROCHESTER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) what alternative provision is being made in the South-East for young men remanded in custody now that the new purpose-built remand centre at Cookham Wood, Rochester, is so unexpectedly being adapted for use as a prison for women;
  2. (b) how many members of the Prison Service originally posted to Cookham Wood to be responsible for young men on remand are now to be on the staff of the prison for women.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

As a remand centre, Cookham Wood would have provided accommodation for the 40 young men who are at present remanded to Canterbury Prison. In view of the extreme pressures on accommodation for female prisoners it was decided, with great reluctance, that Cookham Wood should be used instead as a women's prison. As a result of this, the young men at present sent to Canterbury will continue to be sent there for the time being, but the Government's policy of taking these young men, particularly those under 17, out of prison, remains unchanged; we are, therefore, exploring arrangements for at least some of those under 17 to be sent instead to Latchmere House Remand Centre.

Only two members of the Prison Service were posted to Cookham Wood when it was intended to be a male remand centre; both are remaining there.