Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Turner Excerpts

Tuesday 7th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Oliver Heald]

As the hon. Gentleman may know, the Legal Aid Agency does investigate cases that are brought to its attention, and there have been recent examples where contracts have been removed. It is also important to make the point that, even where there is the possibility of legal aid and representation for foreign national offenders, it is limited to cases involving the refugee convention or articles 2 or 3.

[Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con)]

20. What her plans are for unused land on the prison estate on the Isle of Wight.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Elizabeth Truss)]

We are working on potentially transferring the former Camp Hill site to the Homes and Communities Agency. This is an opportunity to develop the site, build new homes and regenerate the local area.

[Mr Turner]

That is most impressive. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Councillor Richard Hollis to discuss the possibility of a car park near Albany prison?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, as indeed would my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. As I have said, we are seeking to transfer the site to the Homes and Communities Agency. Yesterday, I had a meeting with officials to urge them to get on with it.