§ 11. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on his plans for rebuilding the naval detention centre at Portsmouth.
§ Mr. KirkThere are no plans for rebuilding the Royal Naval Detention Quarters in the near future. I am considering the long-term position.
§ Mr. JuddI thank the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that the inadequate and antiquated buildings in Portsmouth make the work of the staff at the detention centre very difficult, and that there is an urgent need to give them proper facilities with which they can approach their job?
§ Mr. KirkThe work of the staff in any institution as old as this is bound to be complicated. Unfortunately, our Victorian ancestors built to last, and the buildings are in very good order.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is time to combine the detention services of all three Services into one service for the Armed Forces?
§ 12. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on staff training at the naval detention centre in Portsmouth.
§ Mr. KirkThe first qualification is a long experience of naval life which all the staff at the Royal Naval Detention Quarters possess. This is essential for the rehabilitation task for return to the service. Exchanges in visits and information with other penal establishments and the Military Corrective Training Centre at Colchester take place and the extension of specialised training is also under consideration.
§ Mr. JuddI am grateful to the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that, in view of the new emphasis on counselling and rehabilitation by the staff of the detention centre, more extensive and specialised training will help them in the job to which they are deeply committed?
§ Mr. KirkI agree. As a result of the conversations the hon. Gentleman and I had, the commanding officer has completed a course at the Grubb Institute of Behavioural Studies, and the senior instructor-designate is being sent on a prison officer course.