We have announced a 9,500 capacity-building programme of which 700 new places will be delivered this year and 2,400 in 2008. New accommodation is being brought into use as quickly as possible and we are ensuring that we make the most of existing accommodation.
Lord Carter of Coles is undertaking a review of prisons that will look at options both for increasing supply of prison places and for reducing demand for them. He will report his findings to the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Justice Secretary when completed.