§ 31. Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instruction or advice he has given to local authorities as to the provision of special reception centres for the detention of children under the age of 12 years who are remanded in custody under Section 3 of the Children and Young Persons (Amendment) Act, 1952.
§ Mr. DeedesLocal authorities were asked in September, 1952, to make reception centres, as these were provided, available as special reception centres. In view 432 of the decreasing demand for these facilities my right hon. and gallant Friend would not feel justified in recommending further action to local authorities at present.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes not the Joint Under-Secretary realise how undesirable it is that children under 12 who get into trouble through lack of parental control should be housed with young toughs, whom they inevitably regard as heroes and tend to copy? Could he not do something to get this anomaly dealt with?
§ Mr. DeedesThe use of special reception centres has not been extensive, and they do use staff which in our view could be better used elsewhere.