HC Deb 20 January 1987 vol 108 c489W
Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is prepared to consider, for the new prison, sites in addition to the one at present under examination at Wrexham, if any were found to be available and generally acceptable.

Mr. Mellor

[pursuant to his reply, 15 January 1987, c. 108]: Yes. Following consultations with Wrexham Maelor borough council on 8 December the prison department is awaiting details of possible alternative sites which will be considered in the light of the general requirements for sites for new prison construction.

Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider plans for building a smaller prison at Wrexham than at present suggested.

Mr. Mellor

[pursuant to his reply. 15 January 1987, c. 108]: The final size of the prison for which planning clearance will be sought in due course will depend on the outcome of the detailed feasibility study which is being undertaken by the Property Services Agency.

Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what days he first informed Wrexham Maelor borough council and Clwyd county council of his intention to build a category C closed prison for about 600 inmates at Wrexham.

Mr. Mellor

[pursuant to his reply, 15 January 1987, c. 252]: The attention of the prison department was first drawn to the possible suitability of the site for a prison project by Clwyd county council in 1984. After initial exchanges of correspondence on the matter and a site visit, a meeting to discuss outline proposals was held with the chief executive and other officers of Clwyd county council on 27 March 1986, at which the chief planning officer of Wrexham Maelor borough council was present. I understand that prior to that meeting there had been some liaison between the county and borough councils about the proposed project. Formal negotiations with Wrexham Maelor borough council, under the provisions of Department of the Environment circular 18/84, were commenced on 8 December 1986.

Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what permanent new employment he expects to be created as a result of his plans to build a new prison at Wrexham; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

[pursuant to his reply, 15 January 1987, c.252]: About 300 permanent new jobs would be created in the new prison.