§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how soon after the commencement of building work on the extension to Leeds prison he anticipates the demolition of houses in Elsworth street, Leeds 12, being required.
§ Mr. HurdThe houses in Elsworth street will have to be demolished no later than mid–1986 to allow the site to be made available to the contractor when the main contract starts in January 1987.
§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what timetable he has for the commencement of building work on the extension to Leeds prison.
§ Mr. HurdSome preliminary work within the perimeter is in progress. Work outside the perimeter should begin in 1987.
§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will compensate his Department's tenants in Elsworth street, Leeds 12, on the basis of equivalent reinstatement when their homes are required for the purpose of extending Leeds prison.
§ Mr. HurdThe basis for compensation of the occupants of the houses in Elsworth street required for demolition will be that determined by the Land Compensation Act 1973. The Act provides for home loss payments and disturbance payments. It will fall to the district valuer to negotiate the amounts payable in each case at the right time.
§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are any precedents for his Department buying, letting and demolishing residential property prior to the extension of a prison.
§ Mr. HurdThe Department has on occasion bought freehold property for demolition in connection with a prison redevelopment scheme, but the Leeds extension is the first case of which we are aware where tenanted property has been acquired for this purpose. The procedures which we are adopting, including the arrangements for compensation, are in accordance with those followed in similar circumstances by Government Departments and other public bodies possessing compulsory purchase powers.