HC Deb 08 December 1955 vol 547 cc81-2W
44. Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Departmant whether psychiatric or psychological consultants carry out examinations on boys sentenced to detention at detention centres.

Major Lloyd-George

Yes. Where the medical officer of a detention centre thinks a psychiatric or psychological examination by a specialist desirable this is arranged.

52. Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how soon, after the arrival of boys sentenced to a term of detention at a detention centre, are the relevant probation officers' reports received; and whether these reports include health certification or comment.

Major Lloyd-George

Reports by probation officers on boys known to them who have been sentenced to a term of detention at a detention centre are received at the centre when the boy arrives there or shortly afterwards. They do not normally include health certificates or comment on health.

53. Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when and in the matter of what principles, the attention of the courts has been drawn to the need to ensure that boys sentenced to a term of detention in a detention centre should be physically fit for the strenuous activities that will be carried out there.

Major Lloyd-George

When the detention centres at Kidlington and Goudhurst were opened in August, 1952, and April, 1954, respectively, the courts to which the centres were made available were sent circulars describing the régime at the centres and pointing out the importance of ensuring that those sent there should be physically fit for the fairly strenuous activities carried on at the centres.

Forward to