Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, in what form payment for the Reading Gaol site will be made, and whether that payment will be phased or paid as a lump sum.

The marketing of the former prison at Reading has been completed and we have selected a preferred bidder. We are in commercial negotiations with the preferred bidder and details of the terms of the bid including the price are commercially sensitive and confidential until the sale has completed. We will always seek best value for the taxpayer.