§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been spent on the renewal and refurbishment of kitchens in Wormwood Scrubs prison; when each new and refurbished kitchen will be brought into use; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorThe major redevelopment of Wormwood Scrubs prison will include a new building linking the four existing wings of the prison and including a kitchen. Subject to the necessary financial and planning procedures, it is hoped that work on this new building will begin in 1988 and be completed in 1991. The total cost of the building is estimated at £21.8 million, of which the cost of the kitchen is estimated at £1.5 million. Meanwhile, it is essential to undertake a minimum of upgrading and refurbishment in the existing kitchen in order to keep it functioning until the new building is complete. Tenders will be issued shortly for this work which will take about six months to complete at an estimated cost of £154,000. As part of the earlier redevelopment scheme begun in 1982 a building then intended to be used as a kitchen was built at a cost of about £1 million. That building will now be used as a workshop.
§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on rat infestation at Wormwood Scrubs prison and upon steps being taken to combat it.
§ Mr. MellorThe presence of rats in Wormwood Scrubs prison has been reported on two recent occasions. In May and June 1986; both incidents were dealt with promptly by pest control contractors. Any further sightings will be dealt with at once.