HC Deb 20 May 1976 vol 911 cc1701-2
15. Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the effect on establishments of the increase in remission to detainees in detention centres.

Mr. John

The increase in remission, which applied only to boys under the age of 17 when they were sentenced to detention centre training, reduced the normal training time in the six junior centres from eight and a half weeks to six and a half weeks. The wardens and staff of the junior centres have worked hard to adapt training programmes to the shorter period of custody, but it is too soon to make a definite assessment of the effects of this change.

Mr. Walker

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that the increase in remission has put great pressures on the organisation and staff at the centres? Will he ensure that the opinions of the staff are taken into account when the subject comes up for its annual review?

Mr. John

Yes. A conference was held in March to consider this problem and a further conference to consider its effects will be held in September.

Mr. Sims

Will the Minister consider whether his action is justified? Has not the procedure of unilaterally increasing remission at detention centres undermined the authority of the courts that imposed the original sentences?

Mr. John

A definitive assessment will be made as soon as possible. The hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is wide of the mark. The primary reason for the increase in remission is to relieve chronic overcrowding. The action is generally in line with my right hon. Friend's policy that young offenders should spend shorter periods in Prison Department custody.