Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 March 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 March 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office;Prison Service

Question: If he will establish a public inquiry into the location of the proposed prison ship. - Includes text of letter from AJ Pearson of Prison Service.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a public inquiry into the location of the proposed prison ship; and if he will make a statement. [19113] Miss Widdecombe: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Letter from A. J. Pearson to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 12 March 1997: The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question about a public enquiry into the location of the proposed prison ship. The Prison Service considers that the former Royal Navy dock at Portland would be a suitable berth for the prison ship. The planning application submitted by the Prison Service to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council was considered by both the planning committee and a full meeting of the council and has now been referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment for his decision. It is for him to decide the procedure for determining the application.

Secondary information