HC Deb 22 February 1945 vol 408 cc950-1
39. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many remand homes there are in the counties of Essex, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Warwickshire; and if he has done anything to find more remand homes.

Mr. H. Morrison

There are 24 remand homes in the six counties named. My Department has taken all possible steps to impress on local authorities the need for adequate remand home accommodation, and continues to do so where necessary. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 7th December, the number of remand homes provided by local authorities has been more than doubled during the war.

40. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to a recent advertisement for staff at Marlesford Lodge Remand Home, for attendants capable of controlling difficult girls, offering wages non-resident 46s. plus 9s. bonus, and resident £92 plus £23 bonus; and whether he has approved these wages as adequate to attract women suitable for this specialised work.

Mr. Morrison

I have not seen a recent advertisement, but I am inquiring into the matter. As regards the general question of salary scales, I am setting up a Departmental Committee to review the question of the salaries and conditions of employment of staff employed both in approved schools and in remand homes.

Dr. Summerskill

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the difficulty of obtaining help in remand homes can, in no small measure, be attributed to the low wages offered in the past?

Mr. Morrison

That will be a relevant point for consideration by the Departmental Committee. I think my hon. Friend will agree that this is a move forward, to have the matter expeditiously examined.

Mr. Woodburn

Will my right hon. Friend consider having trained teachers in these homes, as the idleness that comes from having untrained teachers results in a great deal of mischief?

Mr. Morrison

It all depends on the nature of the work there is to be done.