HC Deb 02 May 1950 vol 474 cc1567-8
42. Mr. William Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of boys released from approved schools during the year ended 30th June, 1946, and how many of these have since come before the courts; and if he will give the figures applicable to Oakbank School. Aberdeenshire.

Miss Herbison

The number of boys released from approved schools in Scotland during the year ended 30th June, 1946, was 788, of whom 233 have since come before the courts. The figures applicable to the school referred to by my hon. Friend are 83 and 26.

Mr. Ross

Does that mean that the percentage of successes as the result of the remedial training by the approved school at Oakbank is six to seven out of every 10, and will she therefore comment on the recent statement made by the Chief Constable of Aberdeen in which he condemned approved schools altogether?

Miss Herbison

It is true that 31 per cent. of the boys at Oakbank, as compared with 30 per cent. elsewhere, have since come before the courts? The difference is very small, and there is no truth in the statement that the position is worse at Oakbank than in other schools.

43. Mr. W. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to establish classifying schools for children committed to approved schools.

Miss Herbison

I am still examining the possibilities of adapting the classifying school system to Scottish circumstances.

Mr. Ross

Does the hon. Lady not think it is about time something was done, since it was in 1947 that the Scottish Advisory Council on Rehabilitation and Training of Offenders recommended that this should be done in Scotland as successfully as it was done in England?

Miss Herbison

In England only in certain areas are experiments being carried out. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am considering what steps, even in an experimental way, can be carried out in Scotland.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

In view of the serious figures which the hon. Lady gave in reply to the previous Question, does she not think that they should be a spur, in order that the classifying schools for children should be speeded up, which may help to reduce the large number of those boys who do come back before—[HON. MEMBERS: " Speech."] Yes, I am making a speech.