This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/programmes/file_on_4/7300574.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Warning over giant prisons plan Warning over giant prisons plan
(20 minutes later)
The governor of Europe's largest jail has warned against British government plans to build three so-called Titan prisons each holding 2,500 prisoners.The governor of Europe's largest jail has warned against British government plans to build three so-called Titan prisons each holding 2,500 prisoners.
Joaquim Pueyo told BBC Radio 4's File on 4 programme that he would recommend prisons with a maximum of 600 inmates.Joaquim Pueyo told BBC Radio 4's File on 4 programme that he would recommend prisons with a maximum of 600 inmates.
Mr Pueyo heads Fleury-Merogis prison, near Paris, which holds 3,800 people.Mr Pueyo heads Fleury-Merogis prison, near Paris, which holds 3,800 people.
However, British Prisons Minister David Hanson said Fleury-Merogis was a success because it had facilities that smaller jails could not offer.However, British Prisons Minister David Hanson said Fleury-Merogis was a success because it had facilities that smaller jails could not offer.
Governor adviceGovernor advice
Senior prison officer Bernard Gaudicheau told the File on 4 programme he judged the 40-year-old prison to be a failure.Senior prison officer Bernard Gaudicheau told the File on 4 programme he judged the 40-year-old prison to be a failure.
Mr Pueyo said if large prisons were given the go-ahead in the UK, prisoners should be held in separately-managed buildings holding 400 each with one to a cell.Mr Pueyo said if large prisons were given the go-ahead in the UK, prisoners should be held in separately-managed buildings holding 400 each with one to a cell.
href="either url here">In Europe's largest prison href="/1/hi/programmes/file_on_4/7301050.stm">In Europe's largest prison
Mr Hanson said that the Titan prisons would consist of separate blocks.Mr Hanson said that the Titan prisons would consist of separate blocks.
He added that small jails could not provide the programmes on offer at a prison such as Fleury-Merogis.He added that small jails could not provide the programmes on offer at a prison such as Fleury-Merogis.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced plans for more prisons, including three Titan super-jails, in December.Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced plans for more prisons, including three Titan super-jails, in December.
The following month Gordon Brown confirmed the proposals would "go ahead after consultation".The following month Gordon Brown confirmed the proposals would "go ahead after consultation".
One of the so-called Titan jails, which will be larger than any prison currently used in Britain, will be in service by 2012.One of the so-called Titan jails, which will be larger than any prison currently used in Britain, will be in service by 2012.
The other two are expected to be built by 2014.The other two are expected to be built by 2014.
Hear the full story on BBC Radio 4: File On 4 Tuesday 18 March 2008 at 2000 GMT, repeated Sunday 23 March at 1700 GMT or online at the File on 4 website.Hear the full story on BBC Radio 4: File On 4 Tuesday 18 March 2008 at 2000 GMT, repeated Sunday 23 March at 1700 GMT or online at the File on 4 website.