HC Deb 10 March 1960 vol 619 cc620-1
27. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the address of the Borstal Institution where the boys of their own accord contributed to the Save the Children Fund.

Mr. Vosper

The cultivation of a desire to help others is an important part of Borstal training, and the response of inmates takes many forms. In six Borstals, the addresses of which have been sent to the hon. Member, it has included voluntary contributions to the Save the Children Fund.

Mr. Dodds

I am grateful for that information. I knew of only one and felt it was so important that it should be mentioned in the House. Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that some method should be devised to inform the boys that their splendid efforts are appreciated, particularly when appreciation of this sort will help them at a critical period and may be much more valuable than birching or flogging?

Mr. Vosper

I think that the hon. Gentleman's Question has served a very useful purpose. I have not named the six Borstals concerned because most Borstals save and contribute towards some voluntary organisation. It is a very worth-while habit.