§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on future developments relating to Wandsworth Prison. [24392]
§ Ms QuinPlanned development at Wandsworth prison in 1998–99 includes the following: upgrade of the fire and general alarm system on G, H and K wings; refurbishment of A and B wings; introduction of simple sanitation in the health care centre; provision of a new kitchen and 633W extension of the visits facility. The latter will entail the re-siting of the chapel and gymnasium. The application for a new gymnasium was submitted to Wandsworth Borough Council on 13 January and, if approved, the project will commence later this year.
The planning application submitted in May 1997 to provide a pre-release hostel, visitors' reception centre and car park outside the front of the prison will not be taken forward. Following negotiations with Neals Nurseries Ltd., which currently occupies part of this land, the Prison Service have agreed to grant it a further lease but will take back the rest of the land. This includes a stores building formerly owned by Neals Nurseries Ltd. which will be used as a receipt and dispatch store to enable the prison to enhance its industrial activities.