8/8/96
British Minister of State, Home Affairs Ann Widdecombe is in Perth today to visit the CW Campbell and Rangeview Remand Centres on her way back to London after a whistlestop Australian tour.
Assisting Justice Minister Kevin Minson said Miss Widdecombe was keen to see the new closed circuit television link between the CW Campbell Remand Centre and Perth Central Law Courts.
"Prisons form part of the Minister's responsibilities in Great Britain," Mr Minson said.
"The Minister will also tour the juvenile Rangeview Remand Centre to look at the new security technology in place there.
"Rangeview is at the leading edge in terms of detention centre design and security systems."
Miss Widdecombe will also see a design model of the new Banksia Hill juvenile prison now under construction near Canning Vale Prison.
Mr Minson said the Minister's portfolio responsibilities in the area of prisons were significant.
"There are a number of similar problems faced both in Great Britain and Australia," he said.
"These include a call for harsher penalties for crime, an increase in prisoner numbers and the strain this places on the prison system.
"According to a recent press release there are now 55,000 people in prison in Great Britain."
Media statement: Caroline Lacy 222 9211
