§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is 228W the average cost per place in providing accommodation in an adult probation hostel.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe average capital cost of adult probation hostels opened in the last 12 months was £4,000 per place.
§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time taken in obtaining planning permission for the building of an adult probation hostel in one of the larger centres of population.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe information is not readily available. I am aware that the considerable local interest which is aroused by hostel proposals tends to make the process lengthy.
§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of offenders who have been required to reside in an adult probation hostel in the Greater Manchester area and who are at present waiting placement.
§ Dr. SummerskillThere are at present no probation hostels for adult offenders in the Greater Manchester Area. Probation orders with requirements of residence in hostels are not made unless places are available.
§ Mr. Hattonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress made in providing adult probation hostels under the most recent major programme initiated by his Department.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe programme aims to provide 1,650 places for adult offenders by 1977. Eighteen hostels with 317 places are now open and a further 32 hostels are in preparation which will bring the total number of places to about 800.