HC Deb 13 April 1961 vol 638 cc470-1
17. Miss Bacon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what: extent he has modified his proposal to accommodate all the girls committed for borstal training in one borstal at Bulwood, Essex; and if he has now decided to build an additional new borstal in the North of England.

Mr. Vosper

It was never the intention that Bulwood should be the only borstal for girls. There is the open borstal at East Sutton Park, near Maidstone; and my right hon. Friend has now decided to provide an additional secure borstal for which a site is being sought in the North of England.

Miss Bacon

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the consideration he has given to this matter since I last raised it. Is he aware that this will be very much more satisfactory, because the parents of girls from Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire will now be able to visit them much more easily than would have been the case had they all been accommodated in the south of England?

Mr. Vosper

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for those words. Initially the girls from Durham will probably have to go to Bulwood until the new borstal in the North is opened.