§ 47. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many escapes have taken place from the Portland Borstal Institution in the last 12 months; if he will estimate the cost falling upon the rates in respect of police action in the matter of these escapes; and if he will reimburse the local authorities on account of this expenditure.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsDuring 1966 23 boys escaped from Portland Borstal and 7 others absconded while outside the establishment. The cost of police action in the matter of these escapes cannot be reliably estimated. As regards reimbursement of local authorities, I do not propose to change the existing arrangements.