HC Deb 08 December 1983 vol 50 cc206-7W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to continue negotiations with the borough of Halton to acquire land for the erection of a prison there.

Mr. Hurd

Prison development on the site which has been identified within the area of the Halton borough council depends on a number of factors, including the satisfactory outcome of a feasibility study now in progress, the obtaining of planning clearance and the availability of the necessary resources. If it is possible to proceed with the project we will negotiate with the borough council at the right time for the purchase of the land.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the constituency of Halton about the proposed building of a prison there; and how many are in favour, and how many against.

Mr. Hurd

My right hon. and learned Friend has received about 40 letters from local residents, including one from the right hon. Member about the proposed prison development. Two of these were in favour of the proposal and the remainder opposed.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sites for proposed prisons, other than those he has already announced, are being considered in the north-west area; and where these sites are located.

Mr. Hurd

We have identified a possible site for a new prison at Upton Widnes, Cheshire. We are continuing to look for other sites in the north-west in view of the severe pressure on existing prison places in this area.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he proposes to have with residents of the constituency of Halton before continuing negotiations for the erection of a prison there.

Mr. Hurd

If it is decided, in the light of the outcome of the feasibility study now being undertaken, to proceed with the proposal, the Department will submit a formal notice of proposed development to Halton borough council, as the relevant local planning authority, in accordance with the established procedures governing Crown development. It will then be for the borough council to consider the views of local residents and other interested parties in deciding whether to grant planning clearance. We have already said that the Home Office will be prepared to take part in any public meeting which the borough council may at that stage arrange as part of its consultation process.