PRISON CLOSURES

That this House notes with regret the Government's decision to close HM Prison Ashwell and cease using HM Prison Lancaster Castle as a prison; further notes that in the last 20 months over 20 million has been spent on refurbishment at HM Prison Ashwell; acknowledges that 20 per cent. savings in the 2011-12 budget have already been identified without impact to security or staffing levels; further notes that HM Prison Lancaster Castle is currently ranked second in the country for resettlement of offenders; further notes that the success of staff at HM Prison Lancaster Castle in reducing re-offending has had a major impact on cutting crime in the North West area; commends the staff and Prison Officers Association branches at HM Prison Ashwell and HM Prison Lancaster Castle for their work; and calls on the Government to re-examine its decision and keep these prisons open.