Political Debate
26.07.2010
Williams, H - New Prison in North Wales
Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what progress has been made on constructing a new prison in north Wales.
Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice has been conducting a search since October 2009 for suitable sites for a new 1,500 place prison in North Wales (as well as in other areas of strategic need).
At the present time, several sites in the North Wales area have been suggested by members of the public and 26 July 2010 : Column 692W local authorities. Preliminary scoring of these and others identified is still being carried out. No decisions have yet been taken.
Along with other Government Departments, the Ministry of Justice is currently subject to a spending review. Any final decisions on new capacity, as well as long-term decisions on prison capacity programmes, are subject to the outcome of this review.