HC Deb 16 December 1974 vol 883 cc333-4W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why £2,084 of expenditure was authorised for adaptations to the proposed bail hostel at the Lady Margaret Hall Settlement, Kennington Road, SE11, when the premises have not yet been approved for a bail hostel.

Dr. Summerskill

Premises are not approved for hostel use until they are ready for opening and satisfactory arrangements have been made for the management of the hostel. Since adapta- tions to the premises were necessary, and a grant to cover the cost was payable, expenditure was necessarily authorised in advance of final approval.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the estimated annual running costs to be met out of public funds and how much of this money has been spent to date on the bail hostel at the Lady Margaret Hall Settlement in Kennington Road, SE11;

(2) what proportion of the total annual running expenses of the Lady Margaret Hall Settlement in Kennington Road will be met out of public funds if the proposed bail hostel is approved.

Dr. Summerskill

There has as yet been insufficient experience of the running of bail hostels to enable an estimate to be made. No contribution has yet been made from public funds.