HC Deb 09 September 2004 vol 424 c1367W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the minimum health and safety requirements are for magistrates court cells. [187076]

Mr. Leslie

Health and safety requirements of cell areas are not measured in a way that an overall minimum standard could be determined.

Each aspect of a cell area (e.g the custody suite, interview rooms and vehicle access) is individually assessed and rated. From this an over all risk assessment is compiled and the consequent recommendations are made.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the basis was for the decision to stop using Aberystwyth Magistrates Court cells for the holding of offenders; and if he will make a statement. [187077]

Mr. Leslie

Aberystwyth Magistrates Court is still used for custodial cases, but on a limited basis (for cases for trial or sentence only).

Following the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) audit on 2 June 2004, an agreement was reached to keep the cells open. This was on the basis that occupation of the custody accommodation can be controlled in respect of numbers and length of time held and that potential risk can be assessed in each individual case.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what estimate has been made of the cost of bringing the cells in Aberystwyth Magistrates Court up to the health and safety standard required to allow them to be used to hold offenders. [187078]

Mr. Leslie

Aberystwyth Magistrates Court is still used for custodial cases, but on a limited basis (for cases for trial or sentence only).

The local authority has responsibility for Aberystwyth Magistrates Court until is transferred to my Department on 1 April 2005. An assessment of the cell area has been made by the Magistrates Court Committee, which concluded that the cell area could not be adapted to the extent that it would meet all the standards. This is due to structural issues, which prevent the required level of work. Consequently, no estimate has been prepared.

My Department is currently considering proposals to provide alternative facilities in the Aberystwyth area.