§ Mr. F. ROBERTSasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Lillian Elizabeth Bowen, who was sent to the Maurice girls' industrial school, Ealing, until she reached the age of 16 years; whether he is aware that, although the girl will reach this age on the 11th of next month, it has been decided to retain her for a further indefinite period, in spite of the fact that there are no complaints against the girl, who has passed all her standards; and whether he will state upon what authority it has been decided to retain the girl and the reasons for coming to such a decision?
§ Mr. SHORTTUnder the terms of the commitment the girl is legally liable to detention in the school for another year, but I have advised the managers to release her on licence before 11th March, and I understand they are trying to find her a suitable situation. She remains by law under the care of the managers until she is eighteen.