HL Deb 08 May 1990 vol 518 cc1237-8

3.7 p.m.

Lord Allen of Abbeydale asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many places are now available in bail hostels in England and Wales, and whether they are fully used.

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, there are at present 20 approved bail hostels with 344 places. In addition, there are 82 approved probation/bail hostels providing 1,679 places, many of which are available to those on bail. According to the latest information available, just over 85 per cent. of available places in bail-only hostels were occupied compared with 82 per cent. of places in all approved hostels.

Lord Allen of Abbeydale

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. I have two supplementary questions. First, is special provision for individuals charged with offences involving drugs or alcohol widely available? My second question concerns bail hostels proper. I am not an enthusiast for privatisation in law and order in general. However, is there not a case for handing over management of these hostels to the private sector? I bear in mind that the first experimental bail hostel was financed by a private individual who happened to be a friend of the Permanent Under-Secretary of State of the day and that it was run successfully by a body which had nothing to do with government; namely, the Salvation Army.

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, regarding the question on drugs and alcohol, there are issues which remain to be decided following the consultation paper which we issued on 13th February. We expect to be able to make an announcement on the matter within the next few months. We shall take into account the remarks made by the noble Lord, Lord Allen of Abbeydale, about the privatisation of bail hostels. However, we consider that such hostels are best run as they are at present by the probation service.

Baroness Faithfull

My Lords, are there plans to open hostels for young men on remand aged 16 to 18 so that they do not have to go to prison and mix with older prisoners?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, the probation service has developed bail information schemes over a number of areas. I cannot tell my noble friend whether there are separate hostels for young offenders but I shall see whether I can find the information and let her know.

Lord Mishcon

My Lords, following what the noble Lord, Lord Allen of Abbeydale, said, is the Minister aware that in many cases hostel managers are refusing admission to bail hostels not merely to those with drug and alcohol problems but to those with mental problems? In the consideration which he says is being given to the matter is thought being given to setting aside special places in bail hostels for people with those problems?

Earl Ferrers

My Lords, consideration is being given to that point. The noble Lord will be aware that we shall be spending over £36 million up to 1993 on providing 1,000 new places. How those places will be allocated will have to be decided.

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