§ 19. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increase in juvenile delinquency, he will take steps to provide all possible educational instruction to juveniles under detention?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonEducational instruction is, of course, given to persons detained in approved schools and Borstal institutions and, so far as possible, to those in remand homes. As regards persons detained in prisons, I am afraid that, for the reasons given in my answers to previous Questions on this subject, I cannot contemplate the resumption of educational facilities at present, whether generally or for any specified classes of prisoners.
§ Mr. Edmund HarveyIs the Home Secretary aware of the very serious effect on juvenile prisoners of that decision, and will he keep in mind the possibility of resuming educational work for juvenile prisoners?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, I will keep that in mind. The hon. Member will see that for the bulk of juvenile prisoners proper provision is made. It is in the ordinary prisons that the difficulty arises, and there are real staff problems there. I can assure the hon. Member that if I can do anything about this matter, I shall be very happy to do it.
§ Mr. LipsonWhat is the objection to giving permissive powers to governors if they are able to exercise them?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat would not work administratively.