HC Deb 16 December 1987 vol 124 cc524-5W
Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the certified normal accommodation of the prison system is expected to be by 1 January 1990.

Mr. John Patten

[holding answer 12 November 1987]: By 1 January 1990 the certified normal accommodation is expected to be 45,000.

Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional prison places are expected to be provided(a) in new prisons and (b) in existing prisons, by 1 January 1990.

Mr. John Patten

[holding answer 12 November 1987]: From the start of the building programme in 1983 to 1 January 1990 an additional 7,321 prison places are expected to be provided, 3,512 in new prisons, and 3,809 in existing prisons.

In the period 13 November 1987 to 1 January 1990 the figures are 1,984 places in new prisons and 413 places in existing prisons.

Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in which existing prisons additional prison places are expected to be provided by 1 January 1990, and what is the timetable for their coming into use.

Mr. John Patten

[holding answer 12 November 1987]: The information requested is as follows:

From 13 November 1987 to 1 January 1990 it is expected that a further 413 places will be provided at the following establishments.

Prison building programme net accommodation gains at existing prisons
Name/Region 1987 1988 1989
Midland
Birmingham — — 8
North
Lindholme 250 — —
Northallerton — 15 —
South East
Kingston — — 8
Lewes — 16 —
Norwich RC — — 60
South West
Channings Wood — 56 —
TOTALS 250 87 76

In addition, from the beginning of the programme in 1983 to 13 November 1987, 3,396 places have already been provided, making an overall total to 1 January 1990 of 3,809. Work on refurbishment schemes to improve living standards, access to sanitation and facilities is being undertaken at about 100 establishments by 1995, but not all of these will provide extra accommodation.

Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the total capital cost at current prices of the 26 new prisons which have been or are to be built between 1983 and 1995.

Mr. John Patten

[holding answer 12 November 1987]: The estimated total capital cost at current prices is £870 million.