HC Deb 15 January 1987 vol 108 cc248-9W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest estimated cost of (a) the new Woolwich prison and (b) the associated court complex.

Mr. Mellor

The latest estimated cost of the new woolwich prison is £63.85 million. The latest estimated cost of the associated court complex is £10.93 million.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the expected start and completion dates of (a) the new Woolwich prison and (b) the associated court complex.

Mr. Mellor

Advance works for the new Woolwich prison and the associated court complex started in May 1986 and are expected to be completed in May 1987. The main contract for the court complex is due to start in February 1988 and is expected to be completed by April 1990. A further month will be required to bring the court complex into operation. The main contract for the prison is due to start in June 1987 and is expected to be completed mid to late 1991. A further three months will be required after the buildings are handed over before the first prisoners can be received.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local job opportunities he expects to be created by (a) the new Woolwich prison and (b) the associated court complex.

Mr. Mellor

It is not possible to say precisely how many job opportunities are likely to be created, but direct employment by Woolwich prison may provide 20–25 jobs locally and the court complex about a further 10. Furthermore, in excess of 500 people, many of whom could be locally recruited will be required during the construction work.

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