21/11/96
Assisting Justice Minister Kevin Minson today said no consideration had been given to a site for a future prison.
Mr Minson was responding to Opposition comments made in the Wanneroo Times last week.
"In August, the Government requested a report on the future needs for prison beds," he said.
"It is due to be handed to me by the end of the year and will include a number of recommendations on the most efficient way to provide for future prison requirements.
"The study has been asked to look at a range of options including the best use of current prison beds and the possible expansion of existing facilities.
"No plans regarding another prison will be made until I receive the report and it has been considered by Cabinet.
"This means it is very premature to speculate on where a new prison might be built or the form it may take when the report's contents and recommendations are not known."
Mr Minson said the public would be consulted on the location of a new prison if it was decided another facility should be built.
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