§ 1. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to provide remand centres as visualised by the Criminal Justice Act, 1948.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)Remand centres will require security accommodation of a type that can be provided only by new buildings. I regret that in view of the restrictions on capital investment I cannot hold out any hope that it will be possible to provide these centres in the near future.
§ Mr. HyndAs these centres, as the Home Secretary well knows, are for people of ages at which it is most important that the most up-to-date and scientific treatment should be given, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman do his best to press the Treasury to give the necessary authority for the provision of those buildings?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeAs the hon. Member knows, I certainly could not sympathise more than I do about the desirability for these buildings, and I will do my best.
§ Mr. IsaacsWhen the right hon. and learned Gentleman is able to proceed with this matter, will he give some preference to the provision of remand homes for women in the area south of London where very frequently we have to remand young persons to Holloway because there is no other accommodation?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeCertainly.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithAre there not some suitable buildings which could be adapted for this purpose pending the building of permanent ones?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI have not any in mind, but I will look into that point with pleasure.