§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the rebuilding and modernisation programmes now under consideration for Wormwood Scrubs prison; what is the 316W proposed cost of the work; what is the date of commencement and completion; and what discussions are now taking place on this issue with the governor and representatives of the Prison Officers' Association.
§ Mr. BrittanThe projects which are included in the next phase of building at Wormwood Scrubs comprise major repairs and improvements to security in A Hall and the hospital; new kitchens; new visits block, improvements to hospital and operating theatre; and upgrading of sanitary facilities. The eventual cost of this phase will exceed £5 million and work on site should start in late 1981 and take at least two years. This would be followed by further phases involving improvements to the remaining blocks. There have been, and will continue to be, consultations with the governor and his staff on these projects and on the complicated measures necessary to keep the prison operational while work proceeds. The governor consults and informs the local branches of the various staff associations at the prison, including the POA.