§ 36. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young girls and boys who have not committed any criminal offence are now in approved schools.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganOn 30th April, 374 boys and 742 girls in England and Wales.
It is for the courts to decide whether an approved school order is the appropriate manner to determine a case.
§ Mr. LiptonIs my hon. Friend aware that, whatever may be the law on the subject, the general public is shocked and horrified by the large number of young people who are sent to approved schools without any criminal charge being made against them? Will the Home Office 687 really apply its mind to the provision of some alternative method of dealing with this category of case and make sure that the parents or guardians of the young people concerned are told that legal aid is available, if required, and that the right of appeal is also available to them?
§ Mr. MorganMy hon. Friend refers to alternative methods. He will be aware of the provisions of the Children and Young Persons Bill now before Parliament. A balance has to be maintained here between the right of the young person not to be put in such a place and the need to protect the young person from some very real perils in many of these cases.
§ Mrs. KnightDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the new Bill will not necessarily mean that the same situation does not obtain? That being the case, does he agree that there is a case for seperating these youngsters who have committed no crime to prevent them from being contaminated by others who possibly have?
§ Mr. MorganI am not sure that the word "contaminated" is properly used. I have given undertakings during the proceedings on the Bill that there will be no admixture of various groups to the detriment of any of the young persons concerned.
§ Mr. LiptonOn a point of order. Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg leave to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.