§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what capacity Welford road gaol in Leicester was built; what is its current average occupancy; and what urgent steps he is taking(a) in order to reduce the number of people turning to crime and (b) to alleviate the crisis in Leicester.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe certified normal accommodation of Leicester prison is 200. On Friday 25 March, 411 prisoners were accommodated there. My right hon. Friend is today announcing measures which will provide general relief for the whole prison system which is under extreme pressure.
The Government have just launched the safer cities initiative, which, in 20 inner city areas, will lead the way in providing constructive activities for those most at risk of turning to crime. This is in addition to the major new TV publicity campaign and other crime prevention measures concerned with improving physical security and design and better management of property or services.