HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 cc1084-5
10. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the plan of the Children's Regional Planning Committee for the North-West; and if he will make a statement on proposals to improve the position regarding remand home vacancies for girls and boys in the region.

Mr. Alison

Yes, Sir. We are now considering the plan, including proposals for the accommodation of children remanded to the care of local authorities.

Mr. Blaker

Will my hon. Friend tell us whether he has yet been able to satisfy himself that the proposals are adequate to remedy the difficult situation in which some local authorities in the North West have found themselves regarding remand home accommodation in recent years, as a result of which too often boys and girls have had to be remanded in police detention rooms?

Mr. Alison

My Department is examining the proposals placed before it by local authorities concerned. My hon. Friend may be aware that some of the difficulties arise because of unavoidable bunching. In the first three-quarters of 1971, boys' homes in the North West were 75 to 80 per cent. occupied and girls' homes were 76 to 90 per cent. occupied.