Asked about plans in a recent Parliamentary question, Justice Minister David Hanson MP merely replied that “no decisions on sites have been taken.” A Titan prison would house 2,500 inmates – more than double the size of Britain’s current prisons. A statement to Parliament is now expected on Thursday.
Commenting, John said: “We do urgently need more prison places to tackle chronic overcrowding, but Titan prisons are not the right way to go. The evidence shows that smaller, local prisons provide better rehabilitation outcomes, and experience of Titan prisons in France is far from positive.
“The Government has refused to answer my questions on whether it is planning a Titan prison for Basildon, but I will be pressing Ministers to ensure that local residents are properly consulted before any decision is taken. What we saw with the ClearSprings saga was the Government tying to dodge consultation, and that must not be allowed to happen again.”
On 20th May John Baron asked the Secretary of State for Justice whether he is considering introducing a Titan prison (a) in Basildon district and (b) in south Essex; and when a decision will be taken.
David Hanson MP, Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, responded that no decisions on sites have been taken. The priority search areas for sites are London and the south-east, the north-west and the west midlands.
In the light of this non-committal response, John posted a Freedom of Information Request to the Government dated 20 May 2008. It read as follows:
Further to the Parliamentary written answer I received today, a copy of which is attached, please would you list each of the sites currently being considered for the introduction of Titan prisons?
I believe disclosure would be in the public interest because there is understandable public concern about the housing of offenders in local communities.
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