§ 16. Mr. Lubbockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hostel prisoners have continued in the same employment after release; and for what length of time.
§ Miss BaconPrecise figures are not available, but it is estimated that about one-third of hostel prisoners continue in the same employment after release, and that about one-third of these remain in it for at least six months.
§ Mr. LubbockIs it not desirable to obtain more precise figures than these so that we can assess the success of the hostel scheme because, from the information which the hon. lady has given, is it not clear that this scheme has been valuable so far and should be extended?
§ Miss BaconIt is very difficult to get precise figures since if a prisoner is not under after-care it is difficult to know where he is at work, but I agree with the hon. Gentleman that these hostels are very important, and we are doing all we can to extend them. Three new hostels are expected to open within 12 months, and others are planned, and we hope to be able to extend them as quickly as possible.