HC Deb 09 March 1939 vol 344 cc2338-9
54. Mr. Lipson

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the cost of the maintenance of juvenile offenders at approved schools is imposing a heavy burden on local authorities; and will he consider the possibility of making this expense a national charge?

Sir S. Hoare

Under the existing law the primary responsibility rests on the local authorities, and by means of Treasury grants the cost is shared equally between the Exchequer and local funds. My hon. Friend's suggestion would involve more than a financial change: it would involve depriving the local authorities of their duties and responsibilities in connection with approved schools, of which about a third are managed by the local authorities themselves. I should deprecate any scheme which involved the loss of the valuable co-operation of the local authorities.

Mr. Lipson

Can my right hon. Friend tell me why there is this difference in regard to the responsibility for adult offenders and juvenile offenders? If the Department accepts financial responsibility for the one, why not for the other?

Sir S. Hoare

That would be a question for discussion upon the Home Office Vote, but could not be dealt with by question and answer.