PORT TALBOT PRISON

That this House condemns plans to open a super prison in Port Talbot; understands that there is no evidence to show that super prisons effectively rehabilitate offenders; notes that the opening of another super prison in Wales could lead to the surplus of over 2,400 Welsh prison places in Wales; further notes that opening the prison will only create 200 long-term jobs within the prison once it is operational; is concerned that if HM Prisons Cardiff and Swansea close and inmates are moved to Port Talbot, there could be net loss of 600 jobs; is further concerned that the Baglan site proposed for the prison is an enterprise zone that could otherwise be used to better stimulate the local economy; is concerned that the proposed site is also a floodplain, which could lead to flood damage to local properties and endanger inmates and prison staff; recognises the strong local opposition to the building of the prison, particularly because it is within a mile radius of 11 schools; believes it is imperative for the Government to devolve powers of justice and prisons to Wales, as it already has to Scotland and Northern Ireland; and calls on the Government to end its plans to build a new super prison in Wales.