asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusions he has drawn from the feasibility studies carried out by the Property Services Agency on the possible construction of a new prison at Woolwich arsenal; when work is now likely to start; and what is the estimated cost.

The Government have concluded that a local prison should be built on the Woolwich site and the Property Services Agency has been authorised to proceed with the detailed design. It is hoped that tenders will be invited in 1986 with a view to the main construction starting in 1987. The preliminary order of cost at current prices is £40 million.