HC Deb 14 July 1960 vol 626 cc1591-2
32. Miss Bacon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the chairman of the juvenile court at Doncaster has made a recent statement that it is impossible to find places in remand homes or detention centres for young people; and, since this is the position in many parts of the country, what his plans are for speeding up the provision of such accommodation.

Mr. Vosper

The demand for remand home accommodation fluctuates, and my right hon. Friend is aware that courts sometimes have difficulty in finding the places they need. The Home Office keeps the position under review in consultation with the responsible local authorities. A new remand home has been provided this year in the South-East, a second is planned in the North-East, and some existing homes have been or are being extended. My right hon. Friend is anxious that detention centres should be available to all courts, and the Prison Commissioners are pressing on with their provision. It is the intention to open two new senior centres at Medomsley, Durham, and New Hall Camp, Yorkshire, before the end of this year.

Miss Bacon

While welcoming that information, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is satisfied that, even with the opening of these remand homes and detention centres, there will be sufficient accommodation? This is not only a serious problem but an urgent one. Will the right hon. Gentleman give the matter most urgent consideration? Further, can he tell us when we may expect the report of the Ingleby Committee which will be dealing with many of these problems?

Mr. Vosper

The answer to the first part of the hon. Lady's supplementary question is "Yes". The provision of further places in approved schools, which is also in hand, will facilitate the easing of pressure on remand homes. In answer to the second part of her supplementary question, I hope that my right hon. Friend will receive the report of the Ingleby Committee very shortly.

Mr. Chetwynd

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman where the new remand home in the North-East will be, for which area it will cater and how many people it will take?

Mr. Vosper

I can answer the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question. It will be in the West Riding. I cannot be more specific than that, but I will advise the hon. Member further.