§ 37. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has as yet any evidence as to the effectiveness as a form of punishment of detention centres for young offenders.
§ Mr. VosperAt the end of last year, out of over 3,600 boys released in 1957, 1958 and 1959, 55 per cent. had not been reconvicted. Of those who were first offenders when sentenced to detention, 74 per cent. had not been reconvicted.
§ Mr. JohnsonMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether there are any plans to greatly speed up the building and provision of more of these detention centres?
§ Mr. VosperYes, Sir. Three have been opened this year, and it is hoped to open two more in September, including one in the area which my hon. Friend represents.
§ Miss BaconCan the right hon. Gentleman say what are his intentions with regard to the girls who are placed in custody for less than six months? Is it the Government's intention to have girls' detention centres, or are other provisions being made?
§ Mr. VosperIt is the present intention to provide a girls' detention centre in Staffordshire, though the proposals for it have not been completely finalised.