Plans for a massive prison scheme are to be abandoned by the Ministry of Justice, according to media reports.
Three 'Titan' prisons facilities, with the capacity for 2,500 offenders, will now not proceed.
It is believed the Justice Secretary Jack Straw will instead introduce plans for five smaller jails, two of which will be built very soon.
According to Westminster sources, the decision has not been influenced by Wednesday's budget or any other cost saving measures.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman told the BBC: "The justice secretary will make a statement on this issue shortly and we cannot comment further on speculation."
The spokesman said Justice officials had consulted widely and listened carefully to all views.
(PR/JM)
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