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Lords Amendment: No. 23, in page 30, line 9, at end insert—
(1A) The Secretary of State may approve bail hostels; and in relation to hostels approved by him under this subsection—
(a) section 46(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1948 (Secretary of State's power to make rules as to management etc.) shall apply as it applies in relation to approved probation hostels and approved probation homes; and
(b) section 47 of that Act (certain residential institutions to be subject to inspection by Secretary of State) shall apply as it applies in relation to the institutions mentioned in that section.
§ Mr. LaneI beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.
It provides for the approval, inspection and management of bail hostels and other similar premises. The Clause enables probation and after-care committees to provide day training centres, probation hostels and homes, bail hostels and other establishments for use in connection with the rehabilitation of offenders.
The purpose of the Amendment is to provide in relation to bail hostels powers similar to those already applicable to probation hostels and homes. It therefore provides for premises to be approved as bail hostels, for the Secretary of State to have power to make rules relating to the regulation management, and inspection of such premises and for the inspection of other premises not being approved bail hostels where persons may be required to reside as a condition of bail.
The purpose of providing rule-making powers is to secure common administrative arrangements for establishments which may be run either by probation and after-care committees or by voluntary bodies. More important, it is shown to the public and the courts that proper care is being taken about protecting and looking after people who will reside there as a condition of bail and that, should they be dissatisfied, they will not be free to leave without risk of forfeiting bail and being further remanded in custody.
§ Question put and agreed to.