§ 28. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the serious shortage of accommodation in Borstal institutions; and whether he is taking steps to acquire additional accommodation in view of present and future needs?
§ Mr. PeakeFrom various causes arising out of the war, including air-raid damage to one institution, there was a shortage of accommodation in Borstal institutions last year. The accommodation has, however, since been extended and is now thought to be sufficient for present and future needs.
§ Mr. HarveyIs my hon. Friend aware that there are young men and youths waiting for weeks in prison in order to get to Borstal, to which they have been sentenced? Could he take steps to prevent these long periods of waiting?
§ Mr. PeakeIt may interest the hon. Member to know that we have recovered one Borstal institution which was loaned to the military authorities; we have repaired one institution which was severely damaged by enemy action; and a third institution is being extended.