§ 17. Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about secure accommodation for youngsters in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIt would be premature to make a statement in advance of the findings of the present review of secure care, which it is hoped will be completed as soon as possible.
§ Mr. RoweMay I start by saying what a pleasure it is that an hon. Friend who has spent many years improving the standards of behaviour and achievement of young people in my constituency has now moved to apply, I hope, the same talents to Wales? I ask my hon. Friend and other hon. Members to remember how young a 141/2 or 15-year-old youngster seems in his or her own acquaintance and family. Will my hon. Friend assure us that, in the review of secure accommodation for such young people, consideration will be given to the kind of support and care that those children often require?
§ Mr. BennettI thank my hon. Friend for his kind comments. I remember with affection the five years during which I taught at school in his constituency and the very good support that he gave us as a constituency Member of Parliament. I entirely agree with my hon. Friend's comments. We will take them into account in our review of secure accommodation.