38. Mr. David Adamsasked the Home Secretary what progress is being made in remedying the shortage of remand homes and of approved schools, for which there is a waiting list of over 1,000?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe provision of new schools and remand homes is the responsibility of local authorities. A number of authorities are responding to the request I made on 28th February that they should increase their remand home accommodation by 50 per cent., and some authorities have submitted proposals which have already received my approval; others, however, have not yet informed me of the action they are taking. As regards approved schools, a programme' of expansion was entered upon last year as a result of which, with the aid of voluntary organisations, one school has already been opened, seven more will I hope open shortly, four are in various stages of preparation, and negotiations are on foot for 12 more.
Mr. AdamsIf the Minister finds that certain local authorities are not responding, will he again circularise them?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe will follow the matter up in some appropriate way.