§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to complete the sale of Haldon open prison before it is wrecked by vandals; for how many months his Department has been trying to sell it; why it has failed to date to sell it; and whether he will now take effective action to secure its sale.
§ Mr. MellorI refer my hon. Friend to the reply my hon. and learned Friend gave to a question by him on 11 November.—[Vol. 31, c.220.] Preparation of the necessary legal documentation, including the conditions of sale, has taken longer than expected. It is now hoped that the appointed agent will be ready to invite public tenders for the property in April. We are satisfied that effective action is being taken to sell the property.