asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he will take into account when planning the new remand centre for women in the Midlands.

The need to provide adequate facilities at a suitable place and at a reasonable price.

Will my hon. and learned Friend, having asked Birmingham City Council for its views on this matter, give a categoric assurance that he will act on them? Will he take into account the need for care in the preservation of attractive areas, the objections of nearby residents, the needs of land for housing or the rival claims for land from such bodies as medical practitioner groups anxious to put up medical centres in thickly populated areas?

We have recently received a letter from Birmingham Corporation indicating its view that one of the sites suggested should be used instead for housing. I can assure my hon. Friend that the representation will be carefully considered and that we shall equally consider any other suggestion the Corporation may wish to propose.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.