§ 32. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the growing need for increased remand home accommodation for girls; and what steps he is taking to provide such facilities.
§ Mr. NobleOvercrowding in remand home accommodation for girls has not been a serious problem. I have, however, recently approved a proposal by the corporation of Dundee for a new remand home with some additional places for girls.
§ Mr. HannanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Beechwood Remand Home takes over 50 per cent. of all the girls in this category in Scotland and that recently girls were sent to Beechwood from as far away as Preston? Will the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again? Is he further aware that at Larchgrove, which accommodates 80 boys, there are sometimes as many as 117, and that they sleep in the corridors? When is the Kilbrandon Report expected, which deals with the question of courts committing young people to 430 these places which are already overcrowded?
§ Mr. NobleAs I have told the House, the Kilbrandon Report will be published about Easter. As the hon. Gentleman's Question referred specifically to girls, I have not the information about boys for which he asked.
§ Sir J. DuncanCan my right hon. Friend say when the remand home will be provided at Dundee to replace the very bad remand home which exists there at present?
§ Mr. NobleI have not the exact date when the Dundee home will be ready, but I will let my hon. Friend know.
§ Mr. HannanIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.