§ 25. Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to announce the ending of the remanding of boys and girls aged 14 to 16 years to Prison Service establishments.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI refer my hon. Friend to replies to similar Questions given by my hon. Friends the Minister of State and the Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security on 9th November.—[Vol. 919, c.125–7 and 147.]
§ 40. Dr. Boysonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he intends to implement to deal with the increase in crimes of violence by persons under the age of 21 years.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe best deterrent to crime, including violent crime committed by those under 21, is the probability of being caught and convicted. This depends largely on the effectiveness of the police, and the Government are making considerable efforts to improve recruitment, with every sign of success.
§ 41. Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the courts have adequate powers to deal with crimes of violence by teenagers.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesIn general, yes. The courts have a variety of powers available to them when dealing with young654W offenders found guilty of crimes of violence. Custodial measures include imprisonment for those over 17; borstal training for those aged 15 and above; and detention centres for boys of 14 and over. In certain very serious cases there is a power to order long periods of detention in such places as the Secretary of State may direct. Other measures include committal to local authority care and a range of non-custodial orders.