§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many custody suite facilities are available in Cornwall; and what plans he has for additional custody suites. [162648]
§ Ms BlearsThere is currently one designated custody suite operating in Cornwall. This is at Camborne police station, which has 25 cells. However, St Austell police station, which has eight cells and is not designated as a custody suite, is currently being used as a temporary option while the 11 cells at Newquay police station are undergoing extensive refurbishment. When Newquay reopens in May this year, St Austell police station will no longer be used as a custody suite. Planners are currently considering the designs for a new custody suite at Launceton and subject to planning consent, this will be open in 2005 and will provide an additional 21 cells. There are other cells available in police stations across Cornwall that are not part of custody suite facilities.