169. Mr. McCollasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the demands on Borstal after-care brought about by the unprecedented numbers at present in Borstal institutions; what numbers have been released to aftercare each year since 1954; and what numbers are expected to be released to after-care in 1959, 1960 and 1961, respectively.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerYes. I am well aware of this situation and I have authorised an increase in the staff of the Central After-Care Association to enable them to cope with it.
The numbers of boys released from Borstals to after-care were 1,741 in 1954; 1,667 in 1955; 1,484 in 1956; 1,703 in 1957 and 2,159 in 1958.
It is estimated that the number to be released this year will be about 2,800. It would be premature to attempt an estimate for 1960 and 1961, but if the present trend in committals continues the number will be appreciably higher.