HC Deb 24 July 1958 vol 592 c649
9. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boys who have been sentenced to Borstal are in Wormwood Scrubs awaiting transfer.

Mr. R. A. Butler

On 22nd July there were 216 boys in the Borstal reception centre in Wormwood Scrubs. Of these 134 had been allocated to a training Borstal and were awaiting vacancies.

Mrs. Jeger

Can the Home Secretary say whether these boys are able to receive any constructive training while they are in Wormwood Scrubs? Has he any plans for reducing the number of boys kept in this prison for such long periods pending transfer to Borstal?

Mr. Butler

In this case the boys are in a Borstal reception centre, which is not quite the same as when they are in a prison. Even when they are in a prison, we try to keep them separated from the ordinary prisoners. The opportunities for training are limited, as they are in Wormwood Scrubs only for about ten weeks, but if the hon. Lady desires detailed information I will attempt to give it to her.