HC Deb 07 February 1962 vol 653 cc419-20
29. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how often approved schools will be visited by his inspectors under the new regulations issued in December; and how many are employed in the inspectorate.

Mr. Maclay

It is hoped that one or other of the two inspectors principally responsible for approved schools will be able to visit each school at least twice each term. In addition, they, and the specialist inspectors and my Department's medical officer, will visit individual schools as often as may be necessary.

Mr. Hannan

Is the Secretary of State satisfied that this number will be adequate to avoid a recurrence of such incidents as happened in my constituency about three years ago? In view of this and other Questions on these matters, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think that the time has arrived when he should review all the services for young people, covering remand homes, remand centres, detention centres, borstals, children's homes and the rest in order to establish a new and logical service for young people?

Mr. Maclay

In reply to the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, the recent appointment of a second inspector for approved school work will enable the inspectorate to keep in touch more closely with the schools than was the case formerly. We will certainly watch whether the service is adequate. The second part of the supplementary question raises a very wide issue.