01 March 2007

Murphy Voices Prison Concerns

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has today spoken in Parliament about suggestions that a new prison should be built in Cwmbran.

Speaking in the St. David’s Day Debate in the House of Commons, he made clear his concerns about the suggestions. “I am surprised the Police Training College site in Cwmbran has been suggested as a location for a new prison. I know that the Assembly Government would prefer a site in another area, as part of their regeneration plans. Others have told me about the need for a site in North Wales.”

Asked why the Cwmbran site had been suggested, he said: “It seems that the Police Training College site has been identified because the Home Office currently own it. However, I would suggest that it would be better for them to sell the site and use the money to help fund their plans for new prison places. I have been told the site is a valuable one, so a considerable sum could be raised.”

“Either way, the proposed site would be a daft place to put a prison. It is almost completely surrounded by housing, in one of the most densely populated areas of Wales outside Cardiff.”

Speaking in the House of Commons, Paul Murphy asked Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and Minister Nick Ainger to raise his concerns with the Home Secretary. Afterwards, he said: “We must remember that no decision has been taken yet. But I feel it is important to voice my concerns as soon as possible. I know that our Assembly Member, Lynne Neagle AM and Council Leader Bob Wellington have also been in touch with the Home Office to make their views known.”

Site designed and developed by Public Impact

Site promoted and issued on his own behalf by Paul Murphy MP. 73 Upper Trosnant Street, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8AU.
This site is paid for by the Communications Allowance available to MPs. Site admin