§ 13. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the provision of additional Borstal accommodation for boys and young men; and 1756 if he is yet in a position to announce the date from which the use of Dartmoor as a Borstal institution will be discontinued.
§ Mr. EdeDuring 1946, five additional Borstal institutions for youths have been provided, three of which are in new premises taken over by the Prison Commission. It is hoped to open a sixth institution next month. An additional Borstal reception centre has also been opened. I hope it may prove possible to discontinue the use of Dartmoor as a Borstal institution next April.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister in a position to say whether, in the alternative and additional accommodation referred to, there will be modern facilities to assist these young men?
§ Mr. EdeOur additional accommodation enables us better to classify the young people who come within our care, and to provide courses of training more suitable to them than might otherwise be the case. I am particularly grateful to local education authorities for the way in which they are cooperating in assisting me to provide suitable courses.