Straw Visits Controversial Prison Ship

Mr Straw toured HMS Weare, and said he would make a final decision on its future in a matter of weeks. The Prison Service expects up to 480 low category inmates to move into the grey, slab-sided, 100-foot high HMS Weare by the end of this month.

Concern over extra prisoners

"We are unhappy about the ship being dumped on our doorstep. Obviously we do not like it," said the Labour chairman of Weymouth and Portland council's planning committee, Jim Churchouse.

He said the authority was concerned about an extra 500 prisoners being added to the area's existing 1,000 strong prison population, and the possibility of escapes. Local councillors also fear the ship would deter tourists and spoil the appearance of the harbour.

Mr Straw said he would be studying an independent report prepared for the POA by a marine consultant.

Support from Local Tory MP

Mr Straw said he would be discussing his final decision with the Director General of the Prison Service, Richard Tilt, saying " the final decision will be made in the light of satisfaction about safety". The safety of staff, inmates and visitors was a "paramount" issue.

A blot on the landscape?

The vessel, bought by for £4 million from the New York prison authorities, was towed into Portland harbour, Dorset, in March to ease overcrowding in Britain's jails.

It became the first floating jail since the hulks of Victorian times. The same month, the then Environment Secretary John Gummer gave clearance for the development of shoreside facilities crucial to the jail's operation, despite strong local opposition.

The Prison Service has said the vessel would be necessary for three years, a timescale doubted by the local council because of the level of investment involved.

During a visit to Winchester Prison in Hampshire, the Home Secretary said he would be examining ways to reduce the time inmates spent in jail on remand awaiting trial, and cutting the number of fine defaulters who were sent to prison.