HC Deb 24 April 1990 vol 171 cc113-4W
Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of carpeting, furnishing and general refurbishment of Woburn house, Millisle, when it was decided to use it as a prison officers' school; how many staff are employed; and what is the number of recruits in training.

Mr. Cope

Woburn house became the Northern Ireland prison service college on 12 January 1981. As payment records are not retained beyond the minimum of seven years in accord with Her Majesty's Treasury regulations the information required is not available.

As at 19 April 1990, there was a total of 54 staff employed at the prison service college, Woburn house, Millisle. There are presently 24 recruits in full-time training at the college—21 males and three females. Other part-time and short courses are run at the college as well.

Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any valuation was made of the woodworking and other equipment formerly housed at the young offenders centre, Millisle, before it was disposed of when the centre was transferred to Hyde park, Purdysburn.

Mr. Cope

The available records relating to the equipment and machinery used for vocational training at the borstal at Millisle indicate that the bulk of these items were transferred to the new young offenders' centre at Hydebank Wood and to Lisnevin training school. A few items which were not required, were disposed of under the Government regulations covering the disposal of surplus equipment. As detailed financial records for this period some 10 years ago no longer exist, it is not possible to say what the value of these items were.