§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the temporary closure of a secure accommodation unit for boys aged 14 to 17 years of age at Boyles Court, Brentwood; and when he expects it to reopen.
§ Sir George YoungThe secure unit for boys at Boyles Court has been temporarily closed because of difficulties experienced by Essex county council in recruiting staff. The council hopes to reopen it as soon as staff are available, but is unable to say at present when this will be.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make 405W a statement on the need for secure accommodation for girls aged 14 to 17 years of age in Essex.
§ Sir George YoungDecisions as to the need for secure accommodation for juveniles are for local authorities, in consultation with the children's regional planning committee. A secure unit for girls has been provided by Cambridgeshire county council, which, when operational, should meet the need for secure accommodation for girls from the four local authorities, including Essex, which comprise the East Anglia region.