§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many day centres there are; how many places are available in each; and how these figures compare with those of each of the preceding 10 years;
(2) how many training centres have been established since the passing of the Criminal Justice Act 1972; how many places are available in each; and what courses they run;
(3) Whether he will increase the number of day centres and training centres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanFour day training centres have been notified to the courts under section 4 of the Powers of Criminal Courts18W Act 1973 as being available to them. Two provide 20 places, the other two 15 places, and all offer a range of training opportunities aimed at improving the educational and social functioning of those attending. The centres, which are costly, have not been used to capacity and it is not proposed to increase their number; efforts will be concentrated instead on day centres which can provide a wider range of facilities from simple drop-in accommodation to more structured educational and social skills training and/or supported work schemes and are more flexible in operation. Information about the precise number of day centres in existence, many of which are provided by voluntary organisations and are not primarily concerned with offenders, is not available, but we are aware that the probation service is involved with at least 50. Additional resources have been made available both for the probation service and voluntary organisations to encourage the provision of further centres.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the reconviction rate of those released from day centres and training centres at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the reconviction rate of those released from prison and borstals.
§ Mr. BrittanThe information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.