To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to close the Rodney Unit at Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institute Portland, as recommended by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons in her report published on 16 November; and, if so, when. [HL515]

Rodney Unit at YOI Portland is scheduled to close by the end of January 2010. Work has already begun to decrease the numbers of prisoners being held on the unit. The decision to close the unit was made by the Director of Offender Management due to the condition of the accommodation. The decision to close the unit had been made by the Director of Offender Management for the South West prior to the visit from HMCIP.