HC Deb 01 March 1982 vol 19 cc21-2W
Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any lack of information from or action by the district valuer is holding up the disposal of the disused Haldon prison camp.

Mr. Mayhew

No. The district valuer provided the information needed on 8 February 1982.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much public money was disbursed in guarding the disused Haldon prison camp between 25 January 1981 and Monday 1 March 1981.

Mr. Mayhew

The amount was £1,910.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the disused buildings at Haldon prison camp will be released for removal and reuse at nominal cost by local authorities and youth organisations.

Mr. Whitelaw

We are considering my hon. Friend's suggestion, but there is a number of practical difficulties which would have to be resolved, particularly if plans to dispose of the site at the earliest opportunity are not to be prejudiced.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made since 25 January in disposing of the disused Haldon prison camp; and by what date he expects to have completed its sale.

Mr. Mayhew

No progress could be made until advice on the value of the site was received from the district valuer on 8 February. The necessary action is now being taken to dispose of the Haldon camp site in accordance with the rules governing Crown-owned land, and urgent consideration is being given to the terms of the offer of sale which will be made as soon as possible. It is not possible to give an expected date for completion.