§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the new discipline block at Highpoint prison recommended in the Chief Inspector of Prisons' report, agreed by his prison department to be necessary, is not to be built for the foreseeable future; and whether he has considered the undertaking of the work by the inmates in view of the inspector's conclusion which accepts that large numbers of inmates have insufficient work to do.
§ Mr. MayhewThe priority for the provision of segregation and punishment facilities at Highpoint prison is not such that funds can be allocated for this purpose at present.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which buildings previously scheduled for demolition at Highpoint prison are now to be refurbished and modernised; and at what additional cost to the public.
§ Mr. MayhewConsideration is at present being given to the future use of existing buildings and to the provision310W of additional facilities to meet the overall needs of the current and eventual population of Highpoint prison. At this stage it is not possible to say what further work, if any, will be required to the existing buildings.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made to utilise underdeployed inmates at Highpoint prison on the construction of the new permanent cell block for 250 prisoners.
§ Mr. MayhewNone. This building is under construction by outside contractors.