asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many habitable cells are to be provided in C wing at Parkhurst prison; and if it is intended to keep any cells unoccupied on a permanent basis.

The work currently being undertaken in C wing at Parkhurst will produce a total of 100 cells, of which 59 will be in the therapeutic unit and 41 in the adjoining rule 43 unit. All the accommodation in the rule 43 unit is expected to permanently occupied. The population of the therapeutic unit will be restricted initially to 30, probably rising in due course to about 35, which is considered to be the right size for a unit of this kind, having regard to the type of inmate to be held there. The additional space and flexibility will play an important part in the management of the therapeutic unit.