I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 to 83, inclusive, together.
It is difficult to outline exactly how Wheatfield compares with older prisons. It would compare differently with the different institutions but, under each of the headings mentioned by the Deputy, its standards would be high by reference to both national and international comparators.
The original intention was that both a place of detention and a prison would be built on the Wheatfield site. Total expenditure to date, including the various elements mentioned by the Deputy, is £45.42 million of which £39.84 million is apportionable to the new place of detention and £5.58 million to the prison. The prison has of course not been built but necessary services have been provided for it.
Since Wheatfield was handed over — it was completed in February 1988 — there has been a Prison Service presence there so that various essential tasks could be carried out prior to opening. The staff concerned also have a security role but it is not possible to say what proportion of the cost would be in respect of security alone. The current weekly cost of the staffing arrangements is approximately £1,800 and the cost to date is approximately £170,000.
There are 320 cells, each intended for single occupancy. The categories of offender to be accommodated in Wheatfield will be decided shortly.
