§ 30. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what 614 is the present increase in the number of those detained in remand homes and approved schools; and how many instances of corporal punishment have been recorded in those institutions in the last 12 months compared with 1962 and 1952.
§ Miss BaconThe average daily population of all approved schools and remand homes in England and Wales in 1952, 1962 and the 12 months from 1st July, 1963, was 10,325, 9,597 and 9,746, respectively. The numbers of instances of corporal punishment in these establishments during those periods were 3,820, 4,778 and 4,902.
§ Mr. SorensenArising out of that reply, may I ask the hon. Lady whether she will look at this matter in view particularly of the steady increase in the number of cases of corporal punishment inflicted on these inmates, for although one knows that many of these inmates can be very provocative, nevertheless the incidence of corporal punishment regarding these young people seems to be rather an anachronism in these days?
§ Miss BaconI share my hon. Friend's concern that these figures are going up, but I would like to say that the question of corporal punishment in approved schools and remand homes is one of the matters concerning the future of these institutions which my right hon. and learned Friend will be considering in the next few months.