HC Deb 13 May 1971 vol 817 cc605-6
22. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boys aged 14 and 15 years have spent how much time at Ashford Remand Centre during 1970; if he is satisfied with the conditions in which they are detained; and what action he is taking to improve the situation.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Richard Sharpies)

358 were received in 1970, and stayed for an average of 29 days. Since August, 1970 Latchmere House has been increasingly used to relieve overcrowding art Ashford and boys aged 14 and 15 are given priority for transfer to Latchmere House.

Mr. Jenkins

As late as April this year the Howard League said that Ashford was still very seriously overcrowded and that boys who had not been convicted of any offence were kept in for most of the day and provided with no suitable occupation. Will the Minister have another look at the matter?

Mr. Sharpies

Yes. I realise the problems at Ashford, but Latchmere House has made some contribution to the solution of the problem. We try to give boys on remand as much educational opportunity as possible within the facilities available.