asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to provide remand facilities for women in the Midlands.

A search is being made for a building which could house women on remand in secure hostel conditions. A number of buildings have been considered but so far none has been found which is suitable or could be readily converted for this purpose.

Does my hon. Friend realise that this is an urgent matter? It is costing a great deal of money to escort these unfortunate women and they are being caused much disquiet and discomfort.

I appreciate that, but there are many other ways to spend money on the heavy overcrowding in the prison service which we have inherited.