HC Deb 27 June 1963 vol 679 cc162-3W
43. Miss Bacon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the recent trouble at the girls' Borstal at Bulwood.

Mr. Brooke

At about 7.40 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, 15th June, 24 girls in one house refused to go to their rooms after the recreation period. Additional staff were called in and all but nine of the girls were eventually persuaded to return to their rooms. These nine however rushed into one room, barricaded themselves in and began to behave hysterically. When all appeals by the Governor and staff to see reason failed, the door of the room had to be forcibly opened and the girls were removed. Despite violent resistance by the girls to this removal, neither they nor the officers suffered injury.

There was a further incident of a less serious nature next day, when some girls refused to leave exercise. Two or three of them ran into a recess, barricaded themselves in and destroyed property.

According to the latest reports I have received, the establishment has now returned to normal.