HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 cc351-2
34. Mr. W. F. Deedes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will define the scope and purpose of the proposed detention centre at Goudhurst, Kent; and if he will state how many institutions of this type are at present in existence in the United Kingdom.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The Criminal Justice Act, 1948, provided for the setting up of detention centres for offenders between the ages of 14 and 21 who appear to a court to be in need of a short period of discipline and hard work in conditions of strict confinement. No detention centres have yet been set up, but the first, at Kidlington, Oxfordshire, will be opened this summer to accommodate up to about 60 boys aged 14 to 16. The building which the Prison Commissioners, with my authority and the consent of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, are acquiring at Goudhurst for a second centre will be suitable to take about 60 boys aged 17 to 21.

Mr. Deedes

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there has been intense opposition to this scheme largely because of the deplorable number of escapes from, and incidents in, other institutions of this kind in recent months? If he is aware of that will he see that in respect of this new type of institution disciplinary powers are reviewed?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am very glad that my hon. Friend has raised that point because it enables me to make clear that detention centres will be "secure," and will not be open establishments like some of the training Borstals. The House will realise that in present circumstances new buildings cannot be provided and that it has been difficult to find existing buildings which will be suitable for adaptation for these special needs. I think it is important, and I hope that the House will support me in this, that we should try to put into operation this alternative to short sentences of imprisonment.

Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Lipton

Can the Home Secretary say what is the average period for which these young people are to be detained in these special establishments?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Yes, Sir, the usual period is three months, remission to the extent of a third of which can be earned; but the period can vary from one to six months.