Written question asked by George Howarth (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 May 1996. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Monday, 13 May 1996 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: Pursuant to the Answer given to the honourable Member for Montgomery on 29th April, Official Report, c399-400W, on the prison population, when he expects to receive the Home Office feasibility study on the super-max prison; when he expects its publication; and when a decision will be announced on whether to commission such a prison.

Answer: Mr. Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer given to the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile) on 29 April, Official Report, column 399, on the prison population, when he expects to receive the Home Office feasibility study on the super-max prison; when he expects its publication; and when a decision will be announced on whether to commission such a prison.[28349] Miss Widdecombe: The Prison Service submitted to Ministers its report examining the feasibility, costs and benefits of building a maximum security prison to house the most dangerous prisoners in the system and a control prison to hold the most unruly and disruptive prisoners, on 30 April. No decisions have yet been made on publications, timing or whether, and if so how, this project should proceed.

Secondary information