HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 cc2081-2
14. Mr. Touche

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department where and when it is proposed to establish new Borstal institutions.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

As regards boys, there is now a prospect of obtaining premises which would be suitable for a certain type of prisoner and would enable me by certain consequential changes to set free an establishment which is well suited for use as a Borstal institution. This plan would provide the most expeditious method for bringing to an end the temporary arrangement by which Borstal boys are accommodated at Dartmoor.

As regards girls, I am glad to say that a country house is being acquired at East Sutton in Kent, which will provide good accommodation and suitable means of training for about60 girls. A second country house which would accommodate about the same number of girls has been selected and negotiations for its purchase are in progress. I hope to make shortly a comprehensive statement on the combined effect of these acquisitions.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Can the Minister give the House an assurance that Dartmoor will be closed at the earliest possible opportunity?

Mr. Ede

I have frequently given the House that assurance and 1 have striven very hard to expedite the arrangements that are here mentioned I hope I shall not be pressed to give an exact date because of the difficulties in carrying out the adaptations that are involved at the other places, but I can assure the House that I desire to close Dartmoor for this purpose at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister in a position to tell us how far existing accommodation falls short of exact needs in this respect?

Mr. Ede

I do not. think I could give a precise answer like that without notice.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Will the Home Secretary agree that owing to the action of his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health the only way to get housing accommodation now is to be committed to Borstal?

Mr. Ede

I should regret it if anyone thought that going to Borstal at present is a comfortable period of life.

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