HC Deb 21 November 1979 vol 974 cc176-7W
Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the maximum sentence that can be served at Her Majesty's prison, Wymott, Leyland; and if he will consider extending this period to cover sentences of up to three years.

Mr. Brittan

Wymott prison is expected to be fully used accommodating prisoners serving up to 18 months' imprisonment and it is not proposed to exceed that period.

Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners Her Majesty's prison, Wymott, Leyland, can house; how many are at present in occupation there; and why it is so grossly underoccupied.

Mr. Brittan

The certified normal accommodation figure is 816; on 16 November the population was 243. The build-up of population in a new prison is a gradual process which has been extended at Wymott primarily by the general shortage of prison officers.