HC Deb 21 January 1988 vol 125 cc1087-8
11. Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners aged less than 17 years old are currently held on remand in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

On 30 September 1987, the latest date for which figures are available centrally, about 165 untried and 15 convicted unsentenced males aged under 17 were held in prison department establishments in England and Wales. Girls aged under 17 may not be remanded into prison custody.

Mr. Taylor

I am sure the Minister agrees with the importance of the rapid development of bail hostels. Does he agree that the present development of such hostels is too slow, and is there any way of speeding it up?

Mr. Hogg

I am glad that we have the hon. Gentleman's support for our policy of introducing more bail hostels.