§ 4. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boys and girls under 16 years of age are currently held in places designated by him under the Imprisonment (Temporary Powers) Act which are not borstals, remand centres or other normal places of detention.
§ Mr. HooleyIs the Minister aware that that reply is welcome? Will he give an assurance that boys and girls will not be held in such temporary accommodation in any circumstances? If they cannot be accommodated in properly designed institutions, will he ensure that they are sent home?
§ Mr. BrittanI am mildly surprised but totally delighted to give an answer which is welcome to the hon. Gentleman. I am afraid that I cannot go quite as far as he wishes. I see no circumstances at present foreseeable which would lead to the requirement that people of the age group mentioned should be held in inappropriate places. However, it is impossible to give an absolute guarantee and I shall not attempt to give one.