HC Deb 26 October 1987 vol 121 cc17-8W
Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has any future plans for the following prison establishments (a) Kelmsfield House Oxfordshire, (b) Foston Hall, Derbyshire, (c) Blantyre House, Kent, (d) Nedonsley, County Durham and (e) North Sea camp, Lincolnshire.

Mr. John Patten

It is planned to bring North Sea camp into use as an open prison. With respect to the other establishments, the timing of their return to normal operation will be kept under review.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how long have the following prison establishments remained unoccupied (a) Kelmsfield house, Oxfordshire, (b) Foston hall, Derbyshire, (c) Blantyre house, Kent, (d) Medomsley, County Durham and (e) North Sea camp, Lincolnshire.

Mr. John Patten

The information requested is as follows:

  1. (a) Her Majesty's Youth Corrective Centre Campsfield house was temporarily closed on 28 September 1987.
  2. (b) Her Majesty's Prison Foston hall became a nonresidential establishment on 6 July 1987.
  3. (c) Her Majesty's detention centre Blantyre House was temporarily closed on 6 July 1987.
  4. (d) Her Majesty's Prison Medomsley is due to close temporarily on Monday 26 October 1987.
  5. (e) Her Majesty's detention centre North Sea camp became a non-residential establishment on 21 September 1987.

Mr. Chris Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan police officers, from what divisions, of what ranks, and at which locations, were receiving training on 22 October for duties in connection with the supervision and security of prisons.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

None.

Mr. Steinberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it remains his policy to implement the fresh start agreement reached with the Prison Officers Association insofar as it relates to the provision of extra staff with effect from February 1988.

Mr. Hurd

Yes. I remain committed to the provision of extra staff between now and 28 February 1988 and over the five years from 1 April 1988 in accordance with the terms of the fresh start agreement.