§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Durham, North-West (Ms Armstrong) of 4244W March, Official Report, column 287, why the former HM detention centre at Medomsley, County Durham, cannot be converted into an institution for young offenders instead of being put on the property market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMedomsley is in a part of the country where there is already enough Prison Service accommodation. Resources would be required to replace dormitories with secure cells for it to meet present-day requirements. In the circumstances, its retention in the Prison Service estate cannot be justified.