HC Deb 15 February 2001 vol 363 c254W
Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects work to start on demolishing existing buildings to make way for the new prison in Peterborough; [150536]

(2) for what reason the demolition of existing buildings prior to the building of the new prison in Peterborough has been delayed. [150538]

Mr. Boateng

There has been no delay. The Prison Service carried out its own investment appraisal as to whether to demolish the existing buildings before appointing a preferred supplier to construct and operate the new prison at Peterborough. Discussions took place with the city council, demolition contractors and the consortiums bidding for the new prison. At the conclusion of these discussions it was decided that the best option was to incorporate the demolition work into the PFI construction contract.

Work on demolishing the existing buildings on the site of the new prison to be built at Peterborough is expected to commence in late 2001.

Work on demolishing the existing building on the site of the new prison to be built at Peterborough is expected to commence in late 2001.

Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects the new prison to be operational in Peterborough; [150535]

(2) when he will announce funding details for the new prison in Peterborough. [150537]

Mr. Boateng

Details of contract costs and funding will be announced to coincide with contract signature which is expected in late 2001. The new prison at Peterborough is expected to take its first prisoners in early 2004.

Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has received from the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) on behalf of her constituents(a) for and (b) against the new prison in Peterborough. [150546]

Mr. Boateng

My hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) has made representations on behalf of three constituents, one of whom was against the prison proposal with the other two being respectively against the proposed location within Peterborough and the access route into the prison.