§ 1. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many senior attendance centres there are in England and Wales; and what plans he has to increase their number.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Brynmor John)Only two such centres have been established, on an experimental basis. We have no plans to provide more at present.
§ Mr. SimsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the centres to which he refers have been open since 1958 and 1962, respectively, thus giving ample time for evaluating experiments? Is he aware that despite the apparent lack of interest in these experiments by the Home Office, the centres have proved successful as an economic means of dealing with young offenders in the 17–20 age group? Will he reconsider this decision?
§ Mr. JohnThe Advisory Committee on the Penal System has recommended in its 1974 Report, as part of a larger package, that these two centres be closed, because it feels that the opportunity for community service forms a more constructive way of proceeding. We are considering that matter as part of the whole of the recommendations, but during the time we are considering it the two centres will remain open.
§ Mr. HooleyDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is of the greatest urgency and importance that there should be a move away from custodial treatment for offences towards this sort of technique? Is this matter receiving urgent attention in the Home Office?
§ Mr. JohnIt is receiving immediate attention. I point out to my hon. Friend that the alternative posed by the Advisory Committee is non-custodial in its nature.