§ 34 and 35. Miss Vickersasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children are at present detained in remand homes in Great Britain for truancy;
(2) how many children are at present detained in remand homes in Great Britain between the ages of 8 and 11 years.
§ Mr. DeedesI regret that the statistics of admissions to remand homes are not kept in a form which would enable me to give the particulars desired by my hon. Friend. These homes are used mainly for the temporary accommodation of children pending their appearance in court, between sittings of the court, or while arrangements are made for admission to an approved school.
§ Miss VickersDoes my hon. Friend consider it desirable to keep children from truancy in remand homes? Last year, in the home in which I am interested, there were 55 such children. Will my hon. Friend try to ensure that the younger children between the ages of 8 and 11 are not included in the remand homes with the older children who have committed many offences for which they have been brought before the courts on a number of occasions?
§ Mr. DeedesI am aware of my hon. Friend's interest in this matter. The second point which she raised will be certainly borne in mind.
§ Mr. MacCollIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the detention of truants on interim orders in places of safety is often the most effective way of getting them back to school? Will he therefore take steps to ensure that there are reasonable places where children can be placed for two or three weeks before they return to school?