HC Deb 25 February 1980 vol 979 cc400-1W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any immediate plans to relieve overcrowding at Brixton prison.

Mr. Whitelaw

I am arranging for further accommodation for prisoners awaiting trial to be made available at Pentonville prison in order to give some relief to Brixton. This will be achieved by transferring those detained under the Immigration Act 1971 from Pentonville to Ashford remand centre. A phased transfer of those already in custody at Pentonville will begin on 3 March and courts are being informed that with effect from 24 March fresh committals should be to Ashford.