HC Deb 26 March 1980 vol 981 cc620-1W
Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many places there were for children in community homes in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years.

Mr. Alison

Community homes are confined to England and Wales. In Northern Ireland residential care is provided for children and young persons in children's homes and training schools, there being statutory and voluntary provision in both cases.

The number of places available was as follows:

Children's Homes Training Schools Total
1975 1,212 548 1,760
1976 1,111 458 1,569
1977 1,086 442 1,528
1978 1,063 442 1,505

Figures for 1979 are not yet available.