Written question asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 January 1997. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 January 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: What progress has been made on the decision on whether to build a super max prison. - (Holding answer 13 January 1997).

Answer: Mr. Alex Carlile: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the decision on whether to build a super-max prison; and if he will make a statement. [10782] Miss Widdecombe: [holding answer 13 January 1997]: The Prison Service carried out a feasibility study of the Learmont recommendations that new prisons should be built to house the most dangerous and difficult to control prisoners in the system. Ministers are considering the study. Any decision will hinge on the assessment of the costs and benefits of concentration. A move towards concentration would represent a fundamental change in penal policy and there will therefore need to be a very careful examination of the options.

Secondary information