§ 5. Mr. Boydenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present average cost of new places in approved schools; and how this compares with the cost of places in other boarding establishments.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Miss Mervyn Pike)The new places provided in approved schools since 1st April, 1960, have been obtained by extending or adapting existing premises, at an average cost of £2,300 a place. New building will cost considerably more. As the purposes and requirements of other boarding establishments vary so widely, no useful comparison can be made.
§ Mr. BoydenAre not these figures very high indeed? Is the hon. Lady's Department taking any steps to carry out major reconstructions or build new schools in conjunction with consortia and effecting economies in that way?
§ Miss PikeAlthough these figures seem high, adapting old premises is expensive and new premises cost even more.
§ Miss BaconIs the country getting value for all this money? Does the hon. Lady consider that she and her right hon. Friend have all the control necessary to ensure that the country does so?
§ Miss PikeYes. I can assure the hon. Lady that we are getting good 1244 value, and I believe we have adequate control.
§ Sir C. OsborneWhy should delinquent boys get better treatment than lads who behave themselves? Why should we build palaces for these scoundrels? Why cannot we treat them more harshly?
§ Miss PikeI do not think they get better treatment, but I believe that the treatment we give is in the best interests of society as a whole.