News Release

7th May 2009

JACK STRAW COMMENTS ON CURBOROUGH

In a written statement to Michael Fabricant, Jack Straw the Justice Secretary, has just revealed that Curborough was ruled out as a site for a "Titan" (2500 inmate) prison last year.

Michael asked the Justice Secretary:- "When does he plan to begin consultations on the proposed prison site at Curborough; when does he expect to publish the exact location of the proposed site; when does he expect to announce his decision on whether to site a prison at Curborough; and if he will make a statement."

Jack Straw answered: "As I announced on 27 April 2009, we will not be proceeding with the 2,500 place 'Titan' prisons, but we will be building 1,500 place prisons instead. There are no current plans for prisons on any of the sites listed other than those named by me in Parliament on 27 April.

"The site at Curborough was one of a number of sites brought to the attention of the National Offender Management Service as part of the site search exercise for 'Titan' prisons to hold 2,500 prisoners. It was assessed, but not considered suitable for development as a Titan."

Michael Fabricant now says "Curborough is still in the frame together with many other sites for one of the 1500 place prisons. But my conversations with Jack Straw's officials have revealed that no decisions will be taken until 12 months or so from now by which time we may have had a change of government and a change of policy.