§ 16. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of remand home accommodation in the London area, children and young persons placed on remand in custody are constantly being sent to Winchester and in 654 some cases to as far away as Barry, Glamorgan, and Liverpool; and what steps he is taking to make available increased suitable remand accommodation and facilities.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe average percentage use of places in remand homes in the London area in the six months ended 30th June was 81, but I am aware that, in that period, the number of places has not been sufficient at all times to meet the increased demand. A number of boys have been sent to the Winchester remand home, and more distant remand homes have been used in a very few cases. I am keeping the position under review, and appropriate measures will be taken, in consultation with the authorities concerned, if there is undue and continuing pressure on the available accommodation.
§ Mr. JannerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer does not correspond with the actual position as the juvenile magistrates themselves see it, and that the position is very acute indeed? Can he hold out any promise that it will be rectified in the very near future?
§ Mr. ButlerWe shall certainly attempt to do so. I gave a certain average figure but, of course, there are fluctuations in committals, and, at some moment, the magistrates may see the situation as worse than as announced in my Answer.