§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the condition and use of holding cells in Bridewell prison, Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIn addition to the hon. Member, my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary has also 653W received letters from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mr. Parry) the rector of Liverpool and the high sheriff of Merseyside about the conditions in Liverpool Bridewell.
The prison service has received a request from the Merseyside police for the funding of improvements to the holding cells and adjacent areas in Liverpool Bridewell. There are arrangements for the prison service in certain circumstances to meet the cost of essential improvements to accommodation being used by the police to hold prisoners who should he in prison service establishments. The request is being considered and a response will he made as soon as possible.