§ Mr. Doug Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in selling the empty prison houses and hostel in Culcheth, Warrington; how many have been sold; when the remainder will be placed on the market; what is the value of these empty properties; and how long they have now been empty.
§ Mr. John PattenMarketing of the 39 empty prison officers' houses and hostel at Culcheth, which are being sold as a single block, has been resumed, following agreement with the local authority of adoption specifications for roads and services. A considerable amount of interest has been shown in the properties by prospective purchasers, but to date no firm offers have been received. Information about the value of the properties is subject to usual commercial confidentiality. The bulk of the houses have been empty for five to six years and the hostel for about five years.