Written question asked by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 19 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 April 2007. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 May 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Weare Prison

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 21 March 2007, Official Report, column 975W, on Weir prison, how much expenditure, and on what, would have been required to keep HMP Weir open.

Answer: An investment appraisal undertaken in January 2005 identified that a number of significant shortcomings would prevent the continued effective operation of the Weare as it lacked the necessary space for workshop, education and exercise facilities and required extensive refurbishment. In addition the living accommodation was unsuitable and much had limited access to natural light. The review estimated that to continue operation for another seven years with an improved regime would have cost around £60 million on a net present value (NPV) basis.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 133778; 459 c1584W
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Weare Prison
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Closures HMP Weare
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk