§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a Minister of his Department last visited the prison officers' mess at Wandsworth prison; what report he made on his visit; what money has now been allocated for improving conditions and facilities in this mess; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMy noble Friend Lord Elton visited the prison, but not the staff mess, in October 1983. Since then the mess has been refurbished. No further improvements are planned because a new staff mess is to be provided outside the prison.
§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the land opposite Wandsworth prison was taken back from the nursery which had been using the land; what are the present plans to use the land; and what discussions have taken place, and with whom, as to the future use of this land.
§ Mr. MellorAn area of land adjacent to the prison was leased to a local nursery in 1958. The lease was renegotiated in 1968 in respect of a slightly smaller area. The land thereby released has been used to provide car parking for prison staff and facilities for the storage of contractors' materials in connection with building works within the prison, and it is likely to continue to be needed for these purposes in the immediate future. We are aware that, in the longer term, the local authority wish to see this land used to provide open space.